Mr. Alfred Bland

Alfred Bland (Meggett) of New York City and Toronto Canada, son of Marian Inez Greene Bland and Robert Lee Meggett, joined the heavenly realm at the tender age of 59; March 19th, 2021, 1:01 am. His parents and his identical twin brother Albert Bland all proceeded his untimely death. Alfred attended public school in NYC and was an avid tennis player and a cyclist. He played the keyboard and saxophone, as he loved music and the art of creating beats. Later in life Alfred relocated to Georgia where he earned a degree in music, however, his true passion was photography. Upon relocating back to NYC, Al, also known as, joined the teaching staff at the 92nd Street YMCA in NYC, teaching photography to young adults and seniors. Alfred became a photographer, who specialized in weddings, anniversaries, bar mitzvahs, and concerts. Alfred shared the womb with his identical twin brother Albert, who was 3 minutes older. They were affectionately known to everyone as “Twin”. In their young teenage years, Alfred and Albert worked at Gene Barry One Hour Photo in NYC, on 72nd street. They were loved by customers, co-workers and management, for their superior work ethic of taking care of people and respectfully approaching them to assist and resolve their concerns. Alfred and Albert left everyone they had an encounter with an indelible impression, which earned them trust and utmost respect. The twins were a “package deal” and a “class act”. They always gave their best to friends and loved ones. Alfred’s last conversations with his twin led him on a spiritual journey to the famous Canaan Baptist Church of Christ in Harlem. He was the photographer and videographer for Dance the Word Ministry. Alfred later joined the church and was baptized in 2010. Alfred’s health unfortunately took a turn for the worse, the winter of 2016 and he became wheelchair bound as a result. He entered a nursing home in the Bronx for rehabilitation and with the strong will to recover, along with the love of his life by his side encouraging him daily, Alfred’s health improved greatly. God blessed him with the gift to leave the nursing home. September 14, 2018, Alfred married his constant companion, Sandra Cheryl Bridge of Toronto, Canada in Las Vegas surrounded by family and friends. Alfred was a loving husband, devoted father, dedicated stepfather, loyal brother, god-brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and cousin. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Bland, beautiful daughter, Shakari Bland (NYC), stepsons, Karl, Elijah, and Isaiah Luke, (Toronto, CA), sisters, Constance Bland and Sheila Bland (NC), Marvina Meggett Jenkins/Darryl (SC), LaShay Meggett Roach/Dwayne (GA), stepsisters, Kim Dixon, Kelly Hails and Robin McMillan (NYC), brothers, Melvin Bland/Carmen (NC), Derrick Bland (NC), Robert Lee Meggett, JR./Evelyn (NC), Step-mothers, Rose Gregory and Beverly Dixon Gilchrist (Winston) (NYC), Sister in Law Dorlisa Bland, (GA), Paternal Uncle, Albert “Hollywood” Meggett (SC) and a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins, whom have all blessed him immeasurably. Alfred was be flown to Georgia from NYC for his celebration of life/home going service, to be laid alongside his twin brother. The service will be held at Northside Chapel in Roswell, GA and the Committal and Interment will be at Sawnee View Gardens in Cumming, GA. We will be streaming live at https://m.facebook.com/NCFHLIVE/videos/?ref=page_internal&mt0 Due to COVID restrictions, the service will be reserved to family members. The family would like to thank all of you at this time for your calls, thoughts, meals, gifts, cards, emails, text messages, flowers, and FB posts. Alfred loved life and he loved you all. We gave him his flowers while he was visibly here with us. He has joined Albert and other family members and he is long last at peace. In lieu of flowers, the family will be accepting donations. Ego says: “Once everything falls into place, you will find peace”. Spirit says: “Find peace and everything will fall into place. You can shed tear because he is gone, Or you can smile because he has lived. Your heart can be empty, Because you cannot see him, Or you can be full of the love you have shared You can remember him and only that he is gone Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

Mr. Alfred Bland

December 5, 1961 - March 19, 2021