Julia Varnell Bryant

Bryant, Julia Varnell, age 92 of Alabaster, AL passed away August 16th at her home. Julia grew up in Brighton, AL. She attended St. Aloysius Elementary School, Bessemer High School and St. Cecelia’s in Nashville, TN. She was a graduate of Weaver Business College. After graduation she went to work for National Life Insurance Company where she won awards for her exemplary service. One day a co-worker's brother, Bob, walked into her office wearing his Marine dress uniform and they were immediately smitten with each other and were married for 43 years until his death. Their union produced 4 children. Julia returned to work as a secretary and bookkeeper when her youngest child started school. As a young wife and mother, she enjoyed her roles in church sodalities, as a baseball team mother, and PTA President. Yet the roles of wife and mother were the ones she cherished most. Her empathy knew no bounds and only increased after two battles with cancer. She was a proud Alabama football fan always cheering the team on from the comfort of her recliner. She was a devoted Catholic who instilled a love of the faith into her children while attending St. Margaret's and Blessed Sacrament Churches. We never doubted her love because every conversation ended with her saying "I love you". Julia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert C Bryant, her parents, Julia Varnell Woods and Glenn L Varnell; stepfather Dennis G Woods and brother, Glenn A Varnell. Survivors include her daughters Mary Julia, Margaret L.; sons Dennis G. and Robert C. Bryant. Her funeral mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 18th with burial following at Valhalla Cemetery, Midfield, AL. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 1460 Pearson Avenue SW, Birmingham, AL 35211, "Live in such a way that if your children are ever asked for the definitions of kindness, integrity, and loyalty, they'll answer "my parents."-Ali B Mode