Rev. Janet E. Bland

Reverend Janet E. Bland went home to be with the Lord on December 30, 2024.  She was born March 31, 1957, in Hampton, Virginia.  She was preceded in death by her mother Loretta L. Gaston and her brother, Brian E. Gaston.  A lifelong resident of Hampton, Janet attended Hampton High School and graduated from Hampton University with a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.  She married Darrell Bland on May 10, 1997.

               Janet began working for Newport News Shipbuilding in 1977.  It was here she met Don and Patricia Seagle, who introduced her to Jesus Christ. A diligent worker in the shipyard, she then became just as diligent in her work for Christ, opening her heart and her home to all those in need.  She retired from the shipyard in 2023 after 46 years.

               Known for her love and desire to help others, Janet devoted her life to ministry.  She received her minister’s license and began her work in the prison ministry, bringing the message of Christ to those who were incarcerated.  Shortly thereafter, she began visiting at-risk youth at the Less Secure facility in Hampton, counseling and ministering to them.  She was an active member of Abundant Life Tabernacle for over a decade, teaching Sunday school and participating in various ministries within the church there, as well.

               She was installed as the pastor of Compassion Community Church (Hampton) in 2017.  A church founded primarily with children; she loved each one as her own.  From the time she entered its doors, Janet dedicated herself to working in any area she could.  A cheerful giver of her time and wisdom, she never turned away a person in need.  Her lifelong mission was to bring the message of Christ to everyone who crossed her path.

              Janet is survived by her husband, Darrell Bland; her sister, Cynthia McLeod; her three daughters, Diedre Gaston-Smith, Monica Thompson (Elliott), Summer Bland; her eight grandchildren, Ian McNair, Dorian Kelly, Lillian Parker, Kennedy Pittman, Malakai Parker, Mia Parker, Kristian Pittman, and Isaiah Bland; and three great-grandchildren Kameron Hodge, Monroe Villa-McNair, and Marilyn Villa-McNair; nephew, Derrick Gaston; along with the many other lives she touched.

It is the desire of the Bland family  that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Rev. Janet Bland has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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