Bobbie Bland

Bobbie L. Giddens Bland, 91, of Abilene, Texas went home to be with the Lord on June 8, 2023. Bobbie's life will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 12, 2023, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Sunday, June 11, 2023 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Bobbie was born on March 18, 1932 in Sarepta Louisiana to Gus Banton "Bunt" an Velma Dean LeMay. She attended high school in Bossier City, LA. She was married to Jarvis R. Giddens in February 1949. Together they had three children. She was a homemaker who loved to garden and cook for her family and all the many extra kids her children brought home. She worked at Bland's Jewelers in the Gibson Store, Bank of Commerce, Broyle's Carpet and managed the Spanish Village, Haystack and Las Brisa's Apartments.

In June 1979 she married Bennie E. Bland. Together they owned Bland Hallmark, Ernst Limited Editions and Prairie House. She also hosted the TV show "Treasure in Time" on a local TV station. While owning Ernst Limited Editions they hosted many western artist showings for artists such as Wayne Baize, Robert Summers, HC Zachry and Kelly Pruitt.

After their businesses Mom and Bennie traveled to Branson Missouri where they worked in the Branson theaters for 7 years and rubbed elbows with celebrities such as Wayne Newton, Debbie Reynolds, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers just to name a few. She always said, "Living in Branson was the best times of our lives."

Mom had a special love for her family and friends. She loved gardening, cooking, genealogy, being the family historian and storytelling. She never met a stranger.

Bobbie is survived by her children; Sherri Giddens Collins, (Ronald), Donna Kathryn (Kathi) Giddens Graham (Gary) and Larry Randall (Randy) Giddens (Becky); brother, Jerry R. LeMay; stepchildren, Suzanne Newton and Tom E. Bland (Cheryl); grandchildren, Traci Collins Ingmire (Chris), Melinda Collins Whitfill (Cody), Jason Graham (Rachel), Banton Graham (Lacey), Larry Giddens (Holly), Lucas Giddens, Tim Carpenter (Jaime) and 13 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Bunt and Velma LeMay; spouses, Jarvis R. Giddens, and Bennie E. Bland and her beloved furry companion, Dixie.

The pallbearers are grandsons, Larry Giddens, Jason Graham, Tim Carpenter, Banton Graham, Garrett Graham and Creed Whitfill. Honorary pallbearers are Lucas Giddens, Briley Laxton-Collins and Jaxson Ryder Graham.

Services will be led by Cody Whitfill and David Cason. She was a long-time member of Broadview Baptist Church.

The Family would like to thank Hendrick Hospice Care, the doctors and nurses of Hendrick Memorial Hospital 5th floor and Visiting Angels for her care and support during her final days and Maria Olvera for being her friend and "Special Angel". And a special thank you to David Cason for his spiritual leadership and guidance for our mother and family throughout the years.