Ojetta Freeman Bland

Ojetta Freeman Bland was born on December 23, 1946, in McCormick,  South Carolina the beloved daughter of the late James Talmedge and Parmelia Patterson Freeman in McCormick, South Carolina. She departed this earthly life to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 17, 2026.

She grew up in McCormick and attended the public schools of McCormick County. Ojetta received her undergraduate degree in Home Economics from Lander University in Greenwood, SC, and later earned her Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, also from Lander University. Ojetta began her teaching career in the McCormick County Public School District and later joined John De La Howe, where she faithfully served for nearly 29 years before retiring as a classroom teacher. She was the first Black teacher at John De La Howe, and her expertise and love of teaching deeply touched the lives of countless students who entered her classroom and frequently her home. She also served on the McCormick Chapter of the Mental Health Board.

Ojetta accepted Christ at an early age and became a faithful member of Shiloh A.M.E. Church in McCormick, SC, where she served as a class captain and on the missionary and usher boards. 

Ojetta was joined in holy matrimony to John Robert Bland, and together they shared 59 years of marriage. They made their home and raised their family in McCormick, SC.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by two sisters, and four brothers.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her loving and devoted husband, John R. Bland of McCormick, SC; daughters, Tammie (Kenneth) Cartledge of Charlotte, NC, and Kristie Bland of Greenville, SC; her son, Robert (Alicia) Bland of Greenwood, SC; grandchildren, Dr. Julia E. Cartledge (Austin) Paramore of Chicago, IL, Daniel J. Cartledge of Brooklyn, NY, Austin J. Bland of Aiken, SC; and Maryiah Thomas of Greenwood, SC; and her niece whom she lovingly called her “other daughter,” Kimberly Bland of McCormick, SC. She is also survived by her sisters, Bonnie Strickland of Greenwood, SC; Lou Della (Robert) Stidom of McCormick, SC; Effie (John) Hill of Promised Land, SC; Janice (James) Sibert of McCormick, SC; and Marie (Jim) Williams of Atlanta, GA; her brother, Charles (Ollivette) Freeman of Gwinnett, GA; her sister-in-law, Frances Patterson of McCormick, SC; and her brother-in-law, James Curtis (Myrtle) Bland of McCormick, SC. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever treasure her memories.

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