Ruth Marie Powell Bland

Ruth Marie Powell Bland was born on July 15, 1936, in Washington, DC, one of thirteen children born to the late Mary Edith and Oscar W. Powell. She graduated from Cardoza High School and married Robert (Bob) Bland on May 11, 1957. Together they adopted one daughter, Robin. Marie worked for several government agencies before retiring from the State Department as a conference manager. In retirement, she became a successful REALTOR in Montgomery County for 17 years.

A devoted member of The People’s Community Baptist Church, Marie sang with the PAVs choir, belonged to the Gad Tribal Family and Generation One, and danced with the Generettes. She cherished her church community and took great pleasure in organizing and leading group trips. She loved to travel and, above all, treasured time with her family. After the passing of all her siblings, she stepped into the role of family matriarch, focusing her love and attention on her nieces and nephews. She delighted in bringing everyone together for birthday celebrations, cookouts, holiday gatherings, and simple moments of shared joy.

Marie passed peacefully at home on March 7, 2026, at the age of 89, just as she had wished. She was preceded in death by her parents and all her siblings.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert (Bob) Bland, their daughter Robin Bland Lewis, and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.