Tributes

Jessie Marie (Samuels) Bryant, 83, of Springdale, AR (formerly of Huntsville, AR) departed this life on March 31, 2013 at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, AR. Arriving in heaven, she was greeted by Jesus Christ and reunited with her infant son, Steven Lewis Bryant and her parents, Lewis and Anna Eaton Samuels. She was born November 29, 1929 at Rocky Grove near Weathers, AR. She left behind a family who loved and will miss her dearly, including her husband of 62 years and 8 months, Reverend Porter E. Bryant, two daughters and sons-in-law, Regina and Jim Mitchell and Rhenda and Brad Bruns all of Springdale, and two grand-children, Ashley Mitchell and Aaron Bruns of Springdale. The oldest of eight, she is survived by siblings Leola McCoy and Pauline Sloan of Huntsville; James Samuels of Elkins; Lavon Samuels (Barbara) of Hindsville; Loyd Samuels (Donetta) of Siloam Springs; Gary Samuels (Kathy) of Poteau, OK and Lanny Samuels (Sharon) of Elkins; one aunt, Mabel Samuels Sanders and one uncle, Claude "Bug" Eaton along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jessie spent her childhood and most of her adult life living in Madison County. After she married the love of her life in 1950, she and Porter lived in California and Washington State. A few years into their marriage, the hills of Madison County called them back home. Jessie faithfully served the Lord alongside Porter by fulfilling her role as a minister's wife. She loved going to church, singing hymns, and being in the company of God's family. She was a member of Concord Regular Baptist Church in the Buckeye Community. Jessie was also a faithful helper to her husband as they tended to their farm. From feeding baby calves, to driving a hay truck, to picking and canning vegetables, and ensuring that dinner was ready on time, Jessie did it all. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing, and reading. Cooking was one of Jessie's favorite pleasures. She was a phenomenal cook and taught her children and grandchildren that delicious food doesn't come in a box. Some of her most requested dishes included chocolate cake, blackberry cobbler, cherry pie, homemade rolls, and macaroni and cheese. She was happiest when she was with those she loved, and her grandchildren were the light of her life. A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, April 4, at Brashears Funeral Home in Huntsville, AR at 2:00 PM with Chance Bryant, Minister and The Reverend Doctor Larry Mitchell officiating. Interment will be in the Venus Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Ronnie McCoy, Jerry McCoy, Carl Sloan, Steve Samuels, Mike Samuels, and Marty Samuels. Honorary pallbearers are Aaron Bruns, Colton Samuels and Michael Samuels. The family would like to thank the staff at Walnut Grove Nursing Rehab Center for the care provided to Jessie during the last 10 months of her life and the staff at Willard Walker Hospice Home. Memorials may be made to the Willard Walker Hospice Home or the Venus Cemetery.

Tributes

Jessie Marie Bryant

November 29, 1929 - March 31, 2013