Mary Bryant, 80
Feb. 1, 1932-April 19, 2012
Niles Daily Star, Published online 10:05pm Thursday, April 26, 2012
- Bryant
Mary Eleanor “Sis” Bryant bid her final goodnight at 12:40 a.m. Thursday, April 19, 2012, in her Niles residence following a short illness.
Mary was born to the union of the late Plummer William and Azalia (King) Worthham Sr. on Feb. 1, 1932, in Niles.
Mary’s early education began at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niles; she later attended and graduated from Niles High School in June 1950. In the fall of that same year, she entered Roosevelt University, Chicago. Mary also attended Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor in 1975. On Dec. 31, 1989, she received an associate degree from Indiana University, South Bend.
Mary was hired by the University of Notre Dame as a secretary. Shortly thereafter, she met and married Maurice Bryant in 1952, and two daughters were born to their union.
In 1956, Mary and her family moved to Los Angeles, where she worked for the board of education until her return to Niles in 1969. At this time, she was rehired at the University of Notre Dame until she accepted a position at Family and Children’s Center, Mishawaka, as financial assistance director. She later transferred to Hansel Center, South Bend, as a counselor for the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of St. Joseph County.
In 1981, after retiring from Hansel Center, she accepted a position with the City of Niles as executive secretary until her retirement from there in 1997.
Mary was an active board member and one of the founders of The Northside Neighborhood Association; NAACP lifetime member; The Niles Community Development Association; and member of the board of directors for Niles District Library.
In addition, she was awarded a Bible certificate from Moody Bible Studies, South Bend, and a certificate of recognition for faithful participation in Sunday school from her home church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, June 12, 2005, where she later became Sunday school superintendent. Mary traveled to the Holy Land and waded in the River Jordan.
Beloved family members who survive to cherish her memory include her daughters, Pamela Bryant of Niles and Rhonda Bryant Jordan of South Bend; five grandchildren, Micah Caldwell, DeAndre Thompson, Robert Weaver, Brianna Barr and Bradford Jordan; five great-grandchildren, Miaziah Caldwell, Micah Caldwell Jr., Maurice Caldwell, Michael Barr Jr. and Marley Barr; along with other relatives and friends.
Preceding her in death along with her parents, Plummer and Azalia Worthham, was her husband, Maurice, Sept. 5, 1996; a brother, Plummer William Wortham Jr.; three aunts, Bertha King, Mary Williams and Marie Wickware; and two uncles, Acklee “Buster” King and John King.
The funeral service for Mrs. Bryant will be held at noon Saturday, April 28, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 601 Ferry St., Niles, with Pastor Bryant Bacon officiating.
Interment will follow Monday, April 30, in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.
Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford’s Mortuary, South Bend, where friends may send messages of condolence to alfordsmortuary@att.net, c/o The Bryant Family.