WILLIAMSBURG — Alma R. Landis, 94, departed this earthly life Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at her home. On April 23, 1926, she was the youngest of five children born to the late Wesley and Luvenia Bailey, in Nottaway County, Blackstone.
At an early age, she confessed Christ as her Savior and joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Blackstone. Upon moving to Williamsburg, she joined hands in fellowship with St. John Baptist Church, where she remained an active member until her death.
Alma was educated in the public schools of Blackstone, graduated high school and enrolled at Virginia State College in Petersburg. She loved her job as a high school English teacher and served briefly as a guidance counselor at Berkeley Junior High School. She enjoyed working with students and participated with them in many extra-curricular activities. She was also active in the local and National Education Association.
Alma was a founder of the Bethune Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in the Blackstone area and was honored along with three of the original members, all of whom were in their 90s. At one time, she was secretary of the Black Business and Professional Women’s Organization in Hampton. Locally, she presented at Women’s Day functions, Black History programs, and was adept at sharing her life experiences as an African American female.
Alma sponsored and supported many young people in furthering their education and becoming productive citizens. She was the past president and secretary of the Virginia State University Alumni Association Williamsburg Chapter and proudly wore the orange and blue. Alma was also the past president, vice president and secretary of the Williamsburg chapter of the Retired Teachers Association and represented them well at both the local and state organization meetings.
Alma was preceded in death by her husband, Zenus Landis; son, Lonnie; and three brothers. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Debra; two stepdaughters, Cynthia and Cassandra; grandsons, Charles and Aarron; granddaughter, Lacy; five great-grandchildren; sister, Grace Jones; nieces, Marjorie and Ethell; nephews, James Jr., Michael and James Edward; along with a host of many other nieces, nephews and loving friends.
Alma had a beautiful life fulfilled by God’s blessings and now joins her heavenly Father in restful peace.
A service to celebrate her life will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 10, at Whiting’s Funeral Home. Due to the current health pandemic, only 50 may be in attendance with facial coverings and social distance requirements. Facebook livestreaming will be available at the beginning of the service. Interment will follow in Greenview Cemetery, Blackstone. Mrs. Landis may be viewed beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday until the hour of her service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Alma R. Landis to the WJCC Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Fund.
Share online condolences with the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
