Lena Bland Sapp

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 After allowing her son and granddaughter to whisper their love and goodbyes on the evening of Thursday August 8, 2024 at 86 years old, our all wise-heavenly father called her to eternal rest. LENA BLAND-SAPP was born on February 9th, 1938 in Screven County Georgia. She was the ninth twin of fourteen children born to the late James and Sylvia Bland. Lena received her education from Cousin community School in Jenkins County Georgia. Shortly after she met and was united in holy wedlock to the late (1980) Raiford Sapp Sr. of 23 years The love of her life. This union was blessed with four sons, whom Lena loved dearly and devoted her life to "her boys" In 1957 Lena left Georgia to join her husband and other family members in Baltimore Md. This is where she settled and raised her family. She began her spiritual journey early in life but found her home and love for God at First Baptist Church of Cherry Hill in Baltimore Md. Lena was employed for many years at Maryland Paper Box company. There she met many who would become lifetime friends to her. Two of her sons even joined her as well. This would be where she retired from after many years of dedicated service. Lena was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. "Ms Sapp", as so many affectionately called her, enjoyed cooking large meals for her family, baking her famous sweet potato pies, and making a picture-perfect dish of banana pudding. She loved her gospel music with one of her favorite artists being Shirley Caesar. Her weekends were spent every two weeks faithfully in the chair of her hairdresser Diane, going out "Route 40" as she called it shopping and flea markets for bargains after praising her Lord and Savior on Sunday. She spent an abundance of her time serving her community at the Edgewood/Lyndhurst recreation community center where she enjoyed shopping and casino trips with her girlfriends of the neighborhood until her health prevented her from doing so. Lena enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She was such a joyful, pleasant soul to be around. Her smile was infectious and lit any room. Lena was preceded in death by her husband Raiford Sapp Sr, her sons Russell, Anthony and Darryl Sapp. Daughter-in-law Lori Sapp, Granddaughter Monique Sapp, Sisters Georgia Mae, Rutha Mae, And Gladys. Brothers Calvin, Leedell, and Rufas Bland. Lena leaves behind a legacy of love and those left to cherish her life, and memories are: Son Raiford Sapp Jr. Daughter-in-law Tammy Sapp sisters, Burdell Frison, Lelia Jackson, Dollie (Reynold) Love, Lucy (Timothy) Herrington Brothers: Allen Bland ,James Bland, and Thomas (Inez)Bland. Seven grand-children Aaron (Jessica)Sapp, Robin (Robert) Young, Darryl Sapp, Donnell Sapp, Russell Sapp, Ryan Sapp and Parris Sapp, a host of great grands, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Lena will be remembered as a God loving devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Her grace, intellect, and kindness will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Tributes

Lena Bland Sapp

February 9, 1938 - August 8, 2024