Roberta Bryant

© Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors Inc.
Submitted by: ACL

Mrs. Roberta Bryant, after 98 years, "found sweet rest with the Master" on Tuesday afternoon from Checotah, Oklahoma.

Roberta Bryant was born on November 17, 1912 from the union of Daniel Clarence and Pearl [Hampton] Edwards in Oktaha, Oklahoma in Muskogee County. She was raised in Oktaha, but later moved to Summit, Oklahoma, where she attended school.

She accepted Christ into her life at an early age and was a faithful servant of God, with her last church membership belonging to Mount Olive Star Baptist Church in the Warrior Community west of Checotah, Oklahoma after returning to Oklahoma in 1995.

Sister Bryant was married to Vean Simon. From this union, one son, Vean Simon, Jr., was born. He preceded her in death. This marriage was later dissolved. She later moved to the Warrior Community, where she met and married G. W. Jackson. This union produced a daughter, Jessie Mae. She lived in the Warrior Community for a few years. While living in the community, a third child was born that was named Roy.

Sister Bryant later moved to Denver, Colorado, where she met and married Volleny Bryant and their union produced two daughters, Violet and Lenda. Before her retirement, she was employed by the Empire Savings Bank as a cook. She also spent time in Arizona with her son, Billy, as well as time in San Antonio, Texas and Chicago with Lenda before returning to Oklahoma to live with her daughter, Jessie.

She returned to Checotah in 1995, where she lived with her daughter, Lenda until she became ill and moved into Checotah Manor, where she spent her last days.

Affectionately referred to as "Mama Ro" by some of her grandchildrend and others, was an early riser, even while residing at the nursing home. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, cooking and reading the Bible. She was also a member of the NAACP. Whenever you would ask her how she was doing, she would respond "I'm still kicking, but not very high." One of her other favorite quotes was "Good women don't die, they just fade away."

As of Tuesday, September 6, 2011, Roberta Bryant, after 98 years, is now "Kicking High, On High." She was preceded in death by parents, brothers, John, Alvin, Clarence, Harvey and Oton Edwards, and her sisters, Nettie Burrell, Climmie Brandon, Leana Duncan, Nannie Mosley and Sebie Edwards.

She leaves in God's care; her daughters, Jessie Mae Jackson, Checotah, Oklahoma, Lenda Lee, Tuscan, Arizon and Conyers [Elgie] Sumter, Carolina; her son, Roy [Beverly] Warrior, San Antonio, Texas; ninety-six grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren: other relatives and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her.

The Sacred Farewell to "Mama Ro" will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. in the Mount Olive Star Baptist Church. Reverend Samuel Cunningham, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in the Warrior Cemetery.

You may visit Sister Bryant, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the funeral home in Muskogee on Friday from 12 Noon until 6 PM.