Ellen Gourdine Bland, a daughter of the late Moses Lincoln and Mary Jane Gourdine, was born on April 5, 1937 in Pineville, South Carolina. She departed this life on June 16, 2011 in Pineville, SC. She was educated in the Berkeley County Schools and later furthered her education at Trident Technical College. She was a longtime employee of Berkeley Manufacturing in Moncks Corner, SC and retired from the Berkeley County School District. Ellen accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and served as a member of Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church where she attended faithfully. On September 12, 1953, she was united in Holy Matrimony to William Bland. To this union, two children were born. William preceded her in death. Ellen was also an active member of the Order of Eastern Star, St. John Chapter #213. Ellen leaves to cherish her memories her children, Rebecca Bland of Jersey City, NJ and David (Alice) Bland of Pineville, SC; three granddaughters, Cicely of Stockbridge, GA, Yolanda and Brittany of Pineville, SC; four sisters, Bernice Small of Willingboro, NJ, Lula (Aaron) Moyd of Andrews, SC, Shirley Ann Ellington of Pineville, SC and Angela Gourdine of Bayonne, NJ; one brother-in-law William Eadie of Pineville, SC; two sisters-in-law Barbara Blanding of Andrews, SC and Katherine Judge of New York, NY; three uncles, Isaiah (Kate) Gourdine of Pineville, SC, Jethro (Barbara) Gourdine of St. Stephen, SC. and Rev. Amos Lee (Helen) Gourdine of Pineville, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, many other loving relatives and friends. Ellen was preceded in death by two sisters, Rachel Brooks and Geraldine Eadie; two brothers, Sanko Bland and Elmore Judge.