Marjorie Hyers Bland, 90, of Jesup died Wednesday, March 6, 2024.  The Pierce County native had lived in Jesup most of her life.  She graduated from Patterson High School in 1951 and Armstrong State College in Savannah in 1953 and then came to Jesup as a newlywed in 1956 with her late husband, James R. Bland, Jr.  She raised her three beloved children and invested her time, heart, and creativity into her community and her beloved Jesup First United Methodist Church.

"Margie" is remembered as an artistic, colorful, vibrant lady who shared her time and talents in many ways.  From painting a life-sized "Last Supper" of Jesus and his disciples for FUMC to use at every Easter celebration for almost half a century to holding numerous leadership positions in the church, she thrived and flourished when giving and creating for others.  She, along with incredible church members whom she loved, decorated the sanctuary for Easter celebrations for most of her adult life.  Margie was an avid bridge player for over sixty years and formed friendships around the bridge table that still last today.  She picked up a golf club when her children left for college and enjoyed many years of tournament play and is a past-President of the Pine Forest Ladies Golf Association. She was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast and worked the Savannah Morning News crossword for most of her adult life. A day was just not complete without that puzzle having all the blanks filled. She supported her husband, James R. Bland, Jr. in all his endeavors as a civic and community leader, former mayor of Jesup, and General Manager of ITT Rayonier, Inc.

Margie is probably most remembered for being a notable artist and painting numerous oil paintings that hang in public buildings around Wayne County and in private homes throughout Georgia.  She painted like she lived her life: with bold, happy, confident impressionistic strokes of color and composition. She studied art under the late Bill Hendrix and this hobby eventually defined who she was. She was never happier or more excited than she was with a paintbrush in her hand and oil paint on her palette. She and her husband "Jim" were often spotted on a dance floor with their obvious love of music and Jitterbug dancing, but most of all, with their love for one another. They were married for 62 years and their love story will live on through all who were blessed enough to know them.

Margie is predeceased by her parents, Clifford and Elouise Hyers; her beloved sister and best friend, Beverly Hyers Hires; her younger brother, Cleve Hyers; and a very special niece, Lanna Aldridge Denison.

She is survived by her three children: James Richard Bland III "Richie" and wife Ava of Carrollton; Joy Bland Kenerly and husband John Lex Kenerly III "Lex"; and David Clifford Bland and wife Arria of Jesup.

She loved her eleven grandchildren and thought the world revolved around them.  They are Leah Bland Martin and husband John Paul and children Ava Jane and Bland; James Richard Bland IV "Jay" and wife Maddy and children Jack and Josie; Hunter Flanagan Bland and Emily; John Lex Kenerly IV and wife Amy Gail and child Evelyn Anne; Adeline Kenerly Lambert and husband Greyson and children Lock and Middleton; Jameson Kenerly Ragsdale and husband Cole and child Tate; Asher Lanier Kenerly and wife Powell; David Middleton Bland II and wife Lauren and children Tripp and Buster; Arria Blythe Bland; Brayden Bland Sheffield and husband Will; and Ava Brynnslet Bland.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 9, at 11 am at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rebecca Duke-Barton officiating.  Visitation will be one hour before the service begins at 10 am at the church.

Memorials may be made to Jesup First United Methodist Church, 205 E. Cherry Street, Jesup, GA 31546.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.