Martha Helen (Walters) Bland

MARTHA BLAND

BRIGHTON – Martha Helen Bland, 87, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Alton Memorial Hospital.

She was born on June 4, 1937 in Greene County, Illinois and was the daughter of Charles Frederick and Jennie V. (Scoggins) Walters.

Martha was raised in Eldred, Illinois, and in her adult life resided in Carrollton, Illinois for many years.

In 2000, Martha and her longtime companion, Joseph David Gilleland, moved to Brighton, Illinois, where they have remained. For over 40 years, Martha and Joe David shared a life full of love, companionship, and wonderful memories with their families.

Martha was employed as a Production Supervisor with Capitol Records in Jacksonville, Illinois, for 21 years, retiring in September of 1996. She was known for her hard work and dedication throughout her career.

Martha had a passion for music, cooking. She found joy in spending time with her family, often gathering for meals, working puzzles, and enjoying each other’s company. For many years she organized the yearly family reunion. She loved tending to her plants and took pride in decorating her home, especially during the holidays, when her festive spirit brought joy to her neighborhood. Yard sales were another favorite of Martha’s, where she would find treasures to add warmth to her home.

Martha will be remembered for her generous heart, her deep love for family, and the joy she brought to those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Surviving are her longtime companion, Joe David Gilleland of Brighton; her children and their spouses, Janice and Patrick Edler of Fosterburg Township, Judy and James Sievers of Godfrey, Junnie and Roy Gibson of Cottage Hills, Joseph Bland of Fidelity, Greg Gilleland Sr. of Jerseyville, Rhonda and Kelly Cox of Carrollton and Paula and Brian Reynolds, eleven grandchildren, Jason Bland of Cottage Hills, Timothy Minner of East Alton, Chris (Patricia) Minner of Cottage Hills, Lyndsey Gibson (Josh Schnieder) of Brighton, Whitney (Jason) Imel of East Alton, Leo Sievers of Cottage Hills, J. Gavin Sievers of San Diego, California, Kyle Nolan (Keisha Morris) of Hamburg, Greg (Kam) Gilliland Jr. of Batchtown, Taylor (J.T.) File of Godfrey and Cassidy Reynolds of Jerseyville; eleven great grandchildren, with one on the way; as well as four great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, James Lee “J.L” Bland in 1984; a granddaughter, Brandie Gilleland; two sisters, Betty Trump and Ilean Hunt; seven brothers, Arthur Walters, Carl Walters, Charles “Sonny” Walters, William “Bill” Walters, Ira Walters and two brothers in infancy.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Borlin Cemetery in rural Carrollton with Pastor Jacobson will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Borlin Cemetery, in care of Crawford Funeral Home, 1308 State Highway 109, Jerseyville, IL 62052, who is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha Helen (Walters) Bland, please visit our floral store.