Mother Willie Lee Bryant

Mother Willie Lee “Granny” Bryant was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on February 10, 1934, to the union of William and Martilla Gary. Mother Bryant was raised by God-fearing parents. She was one of three children. Her siblings, Harold and Margarette, preceded her in death. Relocating to Washington State at an early age with her parents, Mother Bryant attended and graduated from Garfield High School in 1952.  Shortly after graduation, she met and married Van Bryant, who preceded her in death. Together, they created a loving home filled with laughter, compassion, and the joyful chaos that only a family of six children can bring. Her children, Loretta Dickens, Bruce Bryant (deceased), Joseph Bryant (deceased), Eddie Ray Bryant, Martilla Bryant (deceased), and Carolyn Bryant, were the light of her life. Her legacy continues as her surviving children carry forward her teachings of kindness, resilience, and unconditional love. Mother Bryant’s love extended beyond her immediate family; she was the loving and hands-on grandmother of Andra Gary (Holly), Catreena Beed (Maurice), Emily Murphy (Harold), Willea Cooks, and Lakisha Winn (Gerald). She was the adoring grandmother to a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. One of her grandchildren, Timothy Michael Buckley Jr preceded her in death.

Mother Bryant dedicated a significant part of her life to caring for others as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, where her kind spirit touched the lives of countless patients and their families. Her gentle touch and nurturing heart provided comfort to those in need, embodying the true essence of compassion and dedication. Later in her professional career she went to work for the Veterans Administration.  After many years of service, she retired, but the impact of her work and the love she shared continued to resonate throughout the community.

A woman of deep faith, Mother Bryant loved God with all her heart and instilled the values of love, kindness, and perseverance in her family. She became the Mother of Restoration Bible Church under the leadership of her loving Pastor Anthony Newell Sr. She was a steadfast believer who found solace in her faith, often sharing her wisdom and encouraging her loved ones to embrace life with gratitude and joy. Her unwavering belief in the power of prayer was a guiding light for her family, and her spirit will continue to inspire them in their own journeys.

In addition to her family and faith, she had a spirited love for life that included her frequent visits to the casino. She enjoyed the thrill of the game, and the laughter shared with friends and family during those outings. Her zest for life was infectious, and her ability to find joy in simple pleasures served as a reminder to all that happiness can be found in unexpected places. She also found something magical about long road trips and clicking those needles together when she was knitting. Her over 60-year friendship with Juanita Grant was truly a blessing.

Mother Willie Lee “Granny” Bryant leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by her family and friends. She is survived by her three children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Gladys Girden, a cousin, Linda Watson, and many nieces, and nephews who will miss her smile and her loving spirit. She taught all of us the importance of love, laughter, and faith, and her spirit will continue to guide us through the trials and triumphs of life. As we celebrate her remarkable journey, we find comfort in the memories she created and the love she so freely shared.

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