Alma Maxine Bland

Alma Maxine Bland, also lovingly known as Nanny and Aunt Jane, was born August 29, 1924 in Corning, AR. She was the daughter of the late Frederick Horace and Pansy May (Purvis) Poyner.

She departed this life on May 8, 2023 at the age of 98 years, 8 months and 9 days.

Mrs. Bland was a homemaker who enjoyed sewing, quilting, reading, puzzles, cooking and canning. She loved taking care of her family and helping to raise many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Alma married Norman “Pete” Rapert in May of 1943. Pete was killed in France during World War 2. On April 24, 1956, she then married Melvin Bland. They were married 41 years prior to his death on October 21, 1997.

Alma is survived by her children; Norma ‘Sue’ Crawley of Corning and Debbie Pyle of Paragould. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren; Jim (Karen) Crawley, Trish (Stan) Segraves, Shona (Dan) Potts, and Joey Pyle; 10 great grandchildren; and 13 great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her husbands and parents, Alma was preceded in death by her brothers, Ralph, Albert, Harold and Bob Poyner; Sisters, Nita Mahan, Mary Cantwell, Freida Schlueter and Jeanne Debord; as well as sons-in-law, Harold Crawley and Freddie Pyle.

Visitation will be held Wednesday May 10, 2023 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ermert Funeral Home in Corning. Funeral service will be Thursday May 11, 2023 at 3 p.m. at the funeral home with Seth Debord officiating. Burial will follow at Corning Cemetery.

Online condolences: www.ermertfuneralhome.com