Mema

Mary Hall Bryant didn't live an easy life; but she lived a good life. She never allowed life's challenges to crush her spirit. They merely made her stronger! As her doctor once said, "That Mary Bryant is one tough cookie."

And she was a tough cookie. She overcame the loss of her high school sweetheart in WWII then found the love of her life in Rufus Eugene Bryant, to whom she was married for 54 years. She overcame losing her older brother Dawson at the Battle of Iwo Jima, the deaths resulting from various accidents over the years of her siblings Lucretia, Buster, James, and Florea. Those tragedies instilled in Mary an appreciation for the preciousness of life. She cherished every blessing and never took for granted her role as the mother to four beautiful and successful children- Veda, Craig, Cynthia, and Johnny. Family was her crowning jewel.

Isaiah 61:2-4 says, "To all who mourn He will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness. For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory." (TLB)

This verse epitomizes the life of Mary Bryant. She created beauty from ashesliterally! She could take a flower or plant that looked like it belonged in the compost pile and revive it into a masterpiece worthy of the cover of a gardening magazine. She chose joy over mourning. She celebrated her family and took pride in their every accomplishment. She always stood strong and graceful like an oak for the glory of her faith, her family, and her heritage.

No, Mary Hall Bryant didn't live a wealthy life but she lived a rich life. Her heart was filled with gratitude. She cherished every blessing. Every gift she received was precious - so precious, in fact, that she wouldn't even throw away the wrapping paper or box! She savored every moment of life. And she shared her blessings with any one in need.

Perhaps Mary's most endearing quality was her sense of humor. She brought so much joy to everyone who knew her. Today, it is Mary who smiles. She smiles because she is reunited with her beloved husband, Gene. She smiles to be together again with her first-born son, Craig. She smiles at the great family reunion between her siblings: Florea, Clifton, Dawson, Buster, James, and Lucretia; her parents; and all whom have gone before her.

She smiles looking down upon her legacy - a legacy that wouldn't have been possible without the hard work, tenacity, loving-kindness, dedication, and steadfastness of one tough cookie.

We love you and will miss you, Mema.