Rocky Mount - Mary L. Corbett Bryant, age 104, entered eternal rest on Sunday, April 19, 2020.
Born in Rocky Mount, NC on March 13, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Willie Leslie and Mary Jane (Vines) Corbett. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Frederick D. Bryant Jr.; brothers, William E. Corbett (Naomi), Frank J. Corbett (Elizabeth), Robert K. Corbett (Cleo), James A. Corbett, Alfred B. Corbett (Joyce), sister, Iva L. Corbett Smith, and nephew, Robert K. Corbett Jr. Her nephew, Daryl A. Smith, also entered eternal rest in April 2020.
Faith, family, friendship and love were the foundation of Marys life. She had an incredible zest for life. She loved spending time with, and gleefully doting upon, her family and friends. She never hesitated in sharing prayers, encouragement or support for others. She always saw the best in others and practiced forgiveness wholeheartedly.
As an educator, she dedicated her career to Special Education and enriched the lives of hundreds of students in the NYC public school system. In retirement, Mary dedicated her time to public service, volunteering at Rocky Mount City Hall, Meals on Wheels, and other organizations in the Rocky Mount area. She was an active member of Metropolitan Baptist Church; she participated in the senior choir and supported various church initiatives.
Mary loved sharing her happiness with others and always greeted you with a silly joke. Her love for chocolate and dessert remains unmatched. She cherished weekly breakfast and dinner dates with her friends. At home, she faithfully watched her daytime soaps, Westerns and family friendly sitcoms. She enjoyed crocheting, reading and singing. She was a life-long learner and took classes such as Tai Chi and computer education.
Mary never took the blessings of her life, her family or friends for granted. She remained most grateful to her daughter and son-in-law who cared for her in her later years. She appreciated her friends who offered rides, dropped off meals, or simply spent time with her.
Mary loved her family and friends immensely. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, daughter, Julia B. Cooper (Milton), granddaughter, Marteen Bryant, one nephew, Brian Smith, three nieces, Iva Alexine Smith, Mary Corbett, Shermayne Hargrove and Niece-in-law, Lynn Corbett. Mary also has several grandnieces and grandnephews, Robert K. Corbett III, Jasmine Corbett, Monique Hargrove Jones, James C. Hargrove. Extended family and friends include the Vine's, Bryant's, Hines, Bullock's, Conyers' and Pulley families as well as the Metropolitan Baptist Church family.
The family extends appreciation to medical professionals who cared for Mrs. Bryant and to everyone who has offered their support and prayers.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Bryant-Corbett Family, Death is something all of us are bound to face. Our dear friends just come sooner as if in haste. Truly Ms. Little-Bit will be missed. We pray that God blesses and strengthens you . Prayerfully, Rev. Raymond and Charlotte Privott
To my grandmother You were so celebrated and loved in life and nothing has changed since you returned to the Lord six months ago. As I try to make sense of living in a world without you, I’m left with so many warm memories of you. You were my first baby sitter, teacher, friend, cheerleader and mentor. I was your confidant, plus ‘one’, soap opera buddy, and second eyes and ears on the passenger side of the seat of the car (and later life). You will always be my favorite person to laugh with, fetch free meals, or enjoy a cup of ice cream on a warm afternoon. The strength of your character and values and your love of GOD and family is what lives in me and continues to inspire me. I love you with all my heart. Our trust and connection is the most valuable gift GOD gave me. You are at peace but those you left behind are heartbroken with you!
Grandma – I miss you so much. I am blessed to be your grandchild . You were a great grandmother, mother, mentor and friend. You were a child of GOD and never fell short in sharing the blessings of your life with others. I miss your counsel. I deeply miss the times we spend in tears from laughter. You were the queen of corny jokes and I even miss those too! Your life will always be cherished by your surviving family and friends. Love always my dear….
The joy you brought into our lives will not be forgotten, especially on this Christmas Day. Your memory lives in our hearts and minds until we meet again.
Mary we miss you and love you deeply. Until we meet again…
To our beloved angel, you are deeply missed and loved, especially on this day (313).