Melinda Joan “Jo” Bland, 67, of Alachua, Florida, passed away on September 3, 2019, after a long illness.

Jo was born in Kosciusko County, Indiana on June 19, 1952.

Jo was married to William “Larry” Bland on July 17, 1971; they were married for 48 years.

Jo was a dedicated wife and mother first and foremost. Her biggest treasures were her husband, children and grandchildren. She worked for many years as a homemaker and child caregiver. She later worked for Bear Archery and RTI Surgical until she retired. She enjoyed sewing, hunting, fishing and taking care of her family.

Jo is remembered with infinite love by her husband Larry, her son, Christopher Bland of Farmington, Maine, her daughter, Teresa McLaughlin of Fort White, Florida and her grandsons, Bill and Wyatt McLaughlin of Fort White, Florida.

Jo is preceded in death by her parents and three sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Haven Hospice of Gainesville, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606 or online at https://beyourhaven.org/donate.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. followed by a memorial and celebration of Jo’s life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at Evans Carter Funeral Home in High Springs, Florida.