By Staff
Marbel Crutchfield Bland died  Friday at her home near Barnett Crossroads after battling cancer for 11 years.  She was 73.
She worked for several years in the business office of Monroe County Hospital and later at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital  in Brewton. She and her husband the Rev. John A. Bland pastored churches  across southern Alabama in 40 years of ministry in the United Methodist Church  then retired to her childhood home to farm.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, John  A. Bland of Barnett Crossroads, four daughters, Myra B. Tatano, Lorna  J. Bland and Angel B. Fountain all of Brewton and Connie B. Baggett  of Baggetts' Chapel and seven granddaughters.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday at 2  p.m. at Baggetts’ Chapel United Methodist Church. The family will receive  visitors from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday. The family requests that  donations be made to the church or charity of choice in lieu of  flowers.