To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven – Ecclesiastes 3:1
A time to be born: Willie C. Bryant, Sr., son of the late Lena Mae Bigham and James Bryant, Sr., was born in Louisville, GA on August 26, 1933. Willie learned the values of family and work ethics at an early age, which he instilled in his children. He was preceded in death by two brothers, James Bryant, Jr. and Jerome Bryant, and two sisters, Emma L. Sanders and Annie Jeter.
A time to love: Willie met Mary Lee Moody, a classmate of his sister Lillie Thomas, in 1952 when she visited their home. The two became enamored and later married on December 30, 1954. To this union nine children were born; two boys and seven girls. Willie and Mary Bryant celebrated 65 years of marriage on December 30, 2018.
A time to work: Willie was a self-taught mechanic. After various jobs in the mechanic industry he worked at Jim Herring Chevrolet and later Carter Chevrolet before retiring in 1996.
A time to worship: Willie was a faithful member and worshiper of the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he was baptized in 1998. He attended church regularly.
A time to die: Having fulfilled his purpose and mission on earth, Willie departed this life at 9:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Willie leaves to cherish his fond memories and continue his family legacy a faithful wife, Mary L. Bryant, of 65 years; nine children, Lucille B. Fletcher, Willie C. Bryant, Jr. (Cassandra) both of Belle Glade, FL, Betty J. Jones (Roger) of Waynesboro, GA, Diana Harrison (Joe, Sr.), Rose M. Bryant both of Pahokee, FL, Brenda L. Bryant of Miami, FL, Linda M. Bryant of Miramar, FL, Anthony L. Bryant (Lyn) of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Vivian D. Bryant of Pahokee, FL; one uncle, Ernest Hines of Ridgeville, SC; one sister, Lillie Thomas of Riviera Beach, FL; one brother, Aaron Bigham, Sr. (Edith) of Wadley, GA; one brother-in-law, Lee Clay (Joanne) of Cambria Heights, NY, two sister-in-law's, Henrietta Clay and Willie Mae Clay both of Midville, GA; fifteen grandchildren, Christy Bryant, Felicia Harrison Lewis (Reginald), Quanzameka Bryant, Joe Harrison, Jr., Ashley Jones, Sateria Linder, Garrett Fletcher, Khadeidra Fletcher, Rachael Cole, Shaheem Farrell, Aishia Murvin, Rosalyn Jones, Brandy Jones, London Harper and Chynna Lewis; sixteen great grandchildren, Rickeria Clark, Qe'ansha Bryant, Jalen and Justin Harrison, Sa'Nya Linder, Da'Mare Vereen, Ta'Quan, Tristan, and Tae'Vion Kinsler, Jasmin Alston, Khalia Thomas, Aniyah Jones, Jamal and Jamir Johnson, Amir Jackson and Va' Toria Harrison; one great-great grandchild, Sa'niya Henderson; three godchildren LaPanthia Walker, Sanquetta Cowan and Anthony Sheppard, Jr.; a special angel, Rev. George Houze; a niece who was like a daughter, Frankie Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
