Mary Bryant

Mary Margaret Bryant, age 84 years of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 2:58 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 with family gathered around at her home, following an extended illness.

She was born on December 31, 1933 in Lake City, Arkansas to Irvin R. and Nina T. (Walker) Meachum. She was graduated from Riverside High School in Lake City where she had earned a place on the cheerleading team. She later resigned from the team, out of respect for her mother who disapproved of the uniform that exposed her knees. Otherwise, Mary was a great student, with a special interest in English and History. After moving to California, she was employed as a cook at the Woodruff Gables Medical Hospital in Bellflower, California, and at the Big Bear Lake Schools. She has lived in Niles since 2007.

Mary was a member of the Church of Christ in Niles. She was devoted to helping others in a quiet and humble manner such as working behind the scenes at the hospital and school, or sewing clothing for her children, or sharing her cooking skills at home – especially her Sunday diner roast beef. Just as she had been a dedicated and loving daughter, she was also a dedicated and loving mother.

On April 7, 1951 in Fort Smith, Arkansas she married Clarence Junior Bryant, with whom she celebrated the thirty-eighth anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on March 24, 1990. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Irvin Meachum and Nina Story; a sister, Lou Emma Phillips (& her husband, Victor); a son-in-law, Richard Lee Hostetler, and a nephew, Victor Eugene Phillips.

Surviving family includes her children, Ann Bryant of Big Bear Lake, Karen Hostetler of Niles, and Mark (& Lori) Bryant of New Leipzig, North Dakota; seven grandchildren including Dennis (& Diana) Bagwell, Charles (& Angel) Kaihewalu, Jayson (& Crystal) Kaihewalu and Eric Macias; eleven great-grandchildren.

The family of Mary Bryant will be gathering in California to honor her life and share memories. Contributions in memory of Mary may be made to the Church of Christ, 1515 Huron Street, Niles, MI 49120. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: www.halbritterwickens.com