Jane, Sarah Jane, Mom, wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and loved one were all names for Jane Bryant. Jane was born a “Medlin” to Leon and Mary Margaret on the twenty-fifth of October, 1933. She was now sister to Vernon, her older brother, and younger sisters, Linda and Terry. She was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, and was a southern lady through and through. All that knew her carry their own remembrances; private and special moments that are theirs alone, small nuggets of gold to cherish. It is a difficult task to sum up a long, rich life in a few words.
Jane was a gifted student. She was slightly smarter than her brother, a Vanderbilt-educated doctor, was. As captain of the cheer team at Howard School, she met her future husband, Jerry Bryant. A staunch University of Tennessee fan, she grew to be an Atlanta Braves fan, as well, in later years. Sometimes she would wear a shirt on game day.
God – Family – Baseball. Her life was one of service. First to God. Next to family, dedication and devotion are words that best describe Jane. Firmly rooted in her faith, her devotion to family was a stem that supported the flowering of all members. Jane and Jerry’s only child, Lisa, shares many of their best attributes. Jane was always interested in every family member’s and friend’s personal triumphs, failures, joys, and sorrows. She cared.
“What would Jesus do?” Jane put this question to practical use in everything she undertook. She got it right more often than not. I never knew her to speak ill of others. It was not her way. Everyone deserved a second chance, according to her. She truly believed in forgiveness. She even agreed to allow a Northerner into the family. She was welcoming and loving.
Ninety years is a long time. Jane was born in a different time - the Great Depression and World War II. Those times taught her to value that which is important. We should all aspire to spend our time wisely. Jane’s life is a tribute to time well spent. Rejoice and rest, Jane.
There will be a time of visitation on Monday, January 22, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Donelson View Baptist Church, 2049 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, Tennessee (615) 883.8754. There will be a Celebration of Jane’s Life at 1:00 PM with Pastor Bo Fawbush officiating. Dr. David R. Malin, Thomas Marin, Dan Ellis, Max Patton, Carey Steel, and will serve as pallbearers. Dave Huber, Dr. David M. Malin, Mark Medlin, David Medlin, Andrew Medlin, Brian Lindley, Randy Coker, and Dan Waters will serve as honorary pallbearers. Following the service, Jane will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1101 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, Tennessee (615) 255.4193.
If you so desire to make a donation in Jane's memory, please consider the Parkinson's Foundation (parkinson.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Bryant family at www.HibbettHaileyFH.com.
