SMYRNA - Mildred L. Bland, 86 of Smyrna, passed away on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Bland was born Aug. 2, 1929 in Rock Hall, Md., the daughter of the late Russell C. Elburn and Alice V. Benton Elburn. She retired after 30 years of service for the Smyrna School District as a Cafeteria Worker. After her retirement, she started M & R Crab Pots with her husband, Whitey and continued to work for the business until his death in 2006. Together, Mildred and Whitey enjoyed camping, traveling, snowmobiling and spending time with their family. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard L. "Whitey" Bland; and her twin sister, Margaret Parry. She is survived by her two sons, Richard Bland of Smyrna and Gary Bland and his fiancée, Cynthia Wilson of Smyrna; two daughters, Sharon Davis and her husband, LeRoy of Clayton and Wanda Atkinson and her husband, Alvin of Smyrna; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; her sister, Peggy Morris of Riverview, Fla.; her brother, Walter Elburn of Rock Hall, Md.; and many extended family members. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 S. Main St. in Smyrna. Funeral Services will begin 7 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Modern Maturity Day Break Program, 1121 Forrest Ave., Dover, DE 19904 or to Heartland Hospice, 261 Chapman Road, Suite 100, Newark, DE 19702. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.