Theodosia W. Bryant, 96, Fort Washington

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008

She was the daughter of the late William and the late Rida Wall. She was born March 20, 1912. She was the youngest of three sisters and two brothers who preceded her in death.

At an early age she accepted Christ and joined Antioch Baptist Church in Jackson, N.C. Her formal education was received from Antioch School in the Northampton County, N.C., school system.

On Feb. 14, 1932, she married Isaac T. Bryant. From their union two children were born, Douglas Bryant and Theodosia Bryant Griffin.

In 1934, Theodosia and Isaac moved to Albany, N.Y., there they got a job as domestic workers. After 10 years they returned to Rich Square, N.C., and purchased a farm. They grew cotton, corn, peanuts and soybeans and raised hogs, chickens, cows and many other farm animals. She loved gardening, canning vegetables and fruits, and sewing. She was an excellent cook and her specialties were cakes and homemade buttermilk biscuits.

Mrs. Bryant was known by her neighbors as an outstanding money manager.

She would assist the neighborhood children in saving their earnings for Christmas. After working on the farm for approximately 13 years, she was employed by Mycraft Garment factory until her retirement.

In 1995 she relocated to Maryland to be near her son and daughter. She moved her membership from Jerusalem Baptist Church in Woodland, N.C., to Mount Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

She is survived by her son, Douglas R. Bryant and wife, Calpuria, of Adelphi; daughter, Theodosia B. Griffin and husband, James, of Fort Washington; grandson, Victor E. Griffin and his wife, Terra of Suitland; grandson, Vincent B. Griffin of Suitland; granddaughter, Dr. Tamiko Bryant-Drew and her husband, Carlton of Glenn Dale; great-granddaughter, Kiera Cherise Drew of Glenn Dale; and many relatives and friends.

Viewing and a service were held Aug. 5 at Mount Ennon Baptist Church. Burial will be held at noon Aug. 6 at the Bryant family cemetery, Rich Square.

Arrangements are being handled by Thornton Funeral Home in Pomonkey and Cofield Funeral Home in Weldon, NC.