Molly B Bland

TARBORO - Molly B. Bland, age 97, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Born in North Hampton County, NC on May 29, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Littleton and Eunice Balmer. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, George Earl Sykes and her second husband, Herbert Perry Bland; her daughter, Renee Crabtree; her sisters, Edna Ricks, Eliza Balmer, and Dorothy McNeill; and her brother, John Johnson; her sisters-in-law, Jackie Todd and Lucille Gossett; and her brother-in-law, Collins Sykes. Molly graduated nursing school in 1943 at the Roanoke Rapids hospital. During her schooling she learned how to do blood work, take x-rays, and labs. Molly worked for different doctors in her many years of nursing, such as, Dr. Joyner, Dr. Smith, and Dr. Craig. She retired from nursing in 1985. Molly did not waste her retirement years doing nothing, she was a lioness in the Lions Club and was president for a few years. Molly received the citizens of the month award in Enfield. She grew and arranged flowers for two churches, Enfield United Methodist Church and Enfield Baptist Church. In her down time Molly enjoyed hunting and fishing; where she became very good with a fly rode. Above all, her most cherished memories will be those spent with her family. She will be deeply missed. She made a difference in the life of everyone who knew her and she leaves behind a tremendous legacy of life, love, and laughter. Molly is survived by her son-in-law, Phil Crabtree, of Clayton; her grandson, Jonathan Crabtree (Barbara), of Clayton; her nieces, Pricilla Sykes, Molly Green (Mike), Karen Wicker (Robert), and Dorothy Lynch; her nephews, Dean Johnson (Sandra), Dwight McNeill (Brian), Mickey Sykes, Mike Todd (Dottie), John Sykes III, Wilson Balmer, and Jack Todd; along with great nieces and nephews that she loved as if they were her own children; and numerous friends that she loved like family. A celebration of Molly's life will be held at a later date. The family would like to say a special thanks to the staff at The Fountains at the Albermarle for the love and care that they showed Molly. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Molly's memory to a scholarship being set up in Molly's name at The Fountains at the Albermarle; 200 Trade Street, Tarboro, NC 27886. Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.