Jeanine Bland

The beautiful and cherished life of Jeanine Olive Bland came to a close on Thursday, June 11, 2026. She was born on December 12, 1946, in Rockford, Illinois, to the late Alfred Gordon and Ruth Jean Hecock.

Jeanine received her education in Rockford, graduating from Rockford West High School in 1964. She later attended Rock Valley College. Seeking new opportunities, she relocated to Gurdon, Arkansas, where she dedicated 27 years of service to the Arkadelphia Human Development Center, formerly known as the Children’s Colony, serving as a Job Coach. Through her work, she positively impacted the lives of many individuals and was known for her patience, kindness, and dedication.

Jeanine had a passion for gardening, crafting, and cooking. She found great joy in cultivating beautiful flowers and admired not only their beauty but also the vibrant colors they brought to the world around her. Her creativity and appreciation for nature were evident in everything she did.

Born in December, it seemed fitting that Christmas was Jeanine’s favorite season. She delighted in spreading joy during the holidays and was known for her annual gifts of freshly baked banana bread. Family and friends eagerly anticipated her homemade Christmas candies and treasured the love and thoughtfulness she shared each year.

An exceptional cook, Jeanine considered the kitchen her sanctuary. It was a place of peace and happiness where she lovingly prepared meals for family and friends. Her famous banana pudding, breakfast burritos, and banana bread became family favorites and lasting reminders of her nurturing spirit.

On May 22, 1995, Jeanine married the love of her life, William Charles Bland, Jr. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and simple pleasures. They especially enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

Jeanine leaves fond memories with her husband, William Bland, Jr., her children, Anthony (Alecia) Patterson, Heather Bland and Delano Bland; her grandchildren, Shemeka Bradley, Arielle Patterson, Ebanee Patterson, Justiss Patterson, Zachariah Bland and Emmanuel Bland, Jr; great-grandchildren, Davion Williams, Elaine Bradley, Kalina Patterson, Landon Patterson and Millie Patterson; her siblings, Terri Hutchison (Stan) of Rockford, IL, Carol Kalen (Timothy) of Roscoe, IL, Janelle Calow (William) of Rockford, IL, Dorothy Jackson of Killeen, TX, Kathleen Elliot (Acie) of Hope, AR, Edna Hatley (Charles) of Gurdon, AR, Shirley Odum of Killeen, TX and Gracie Bland of Little Rock, AR. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.

Jeanine’s gentle spirit, warm heart, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Though she has departed this earthly life, her legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in the Chapel of Williams Funeral Home, with Rev. Rufus Hatley, officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home.

“Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”