Mrs. Edith Irene Bryant, age 81 of Malvern, died Saturday, July 7, 2007 at her residence. She was born in Union County, Arkansas, on June 23, 1926 to the late James Nathaniel and Vera Neasley Wilson. Moving to Malvern at an early age, she was reared and received her education here. She was the widow of the late O. C. Bryant, to whom she was married in 1948 at Perla, Arkansas. He preceded her in death in 1981. Mrs. Bryant had a varied working life. First and foremost she was a mother and homemaker, rearing seven children. She later worked for many years as a nurses assistant at Stillmeadow Nursing Home, and later as a private sitter. A member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (of which her father was a founding member), she served there as Mistress of Ceremonies for many years. Mrs. Bryant had been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was the last surviving member of the Asbestos Hale Club. She also enjoyed playing bridge.

Her survivors include three sons, Henry L. Junior and his wife Rosetta of Southbend, Indiana; Harold A. Bryant and his wife Leona of Rowlette, Texas; and Cecil M. Bryant of Malvern; by three daughters, Constance Y. Brown and her husband Arthur of Plano, Texas; Rhunita J. Forrest of Temple City, California; and Edieth L. Jenkins and her husband Cedric of Hot Springs. She also leaves behind a sister, Jimmie Wesson of Malvern, 16 grandchildren,13 great-grandchildren, and two special "adopted daughters", Mildred Gillespie and Allie Jones.

Mrs. Bryant was also preceded in death by a daughter, Shana Cotton; a sister, Eunice Wilson; and a grandson, Thad McGhee.

The funeral will be held at eleven o'clock Friday morning, July 13, 2007, in the sanctuary of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church on Banks Street with Pastors Charles Dobbins and Orlando Freeman officiating. Interment will follow in the Perla Gate Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Ronnie Jones, Larry Curry, Paul Reedy, Willie Bryant, Donald Faison, and Lloyd Boles.Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons.

The family will receive friends at the J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Thursday evening from six until eight o'clock.

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