Eva Jeanette Bryant

Well I must be home with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; since you’re reading this. Don’t cry for me, I lead a full and blessed life. I loved my Lord and Savior. He anointed me to be a minister just like my daddy. With the help of God, I raised my children to respect him and when they grew up they didn’t depart from him.

I reached Gods promise of 70 and beyond. My parents Obie Earnest Odom and Mary Alice Deckard Odom were married in 1945, and God blessed them with me on October 21, 1948 in Waco, Texas. Before I came along I had 2 brothers; James Hayward Deckard (Butch), and Lester Paul Odom, all whom I am now with in Heaven. They could have stopped with me but God decided I needed somebody to watch after so he sent my sister. I took pleasure in being a big sister to Cordelia, she followed me everywhere so I decided to find her some friends of her own. I would take her to play with two girls down the street and when I saw them bondind I knew I didn’t have to go with her anymore. I will continue to watch over you from above now Cookie. You can and will continue the journey without me here.

Eva Odom

My early teaching of God came from my daddy who was a pastor, my father mentored all that came in his path. When we were in Waco my grandmother, Bessie Lee Brown took us to Sunday school and church. When at home in Fort Worth, out Uncle, Lonnie De’Grate, and his wife Aunt Axie kept us in church. I learned to be a proper young lady from my mother.

I attended school at James E. Guinn Elementary from 1st to 9th grade. I was an A and B student, a cheerleader, and in with the in crowd. All while watching after my little sister, anybody who messed with her had to answer to me and my crew. Later I attended I.M. Terrell from 10th to 12th grade, graduating in June of 1968 with Honors.

Eva Bryant

I met the father of my children, John William Bryant at the age of 15. We married in 1967 at his Aunt’s house. Our marriage lasted for 12 years. From our union we were blessed with three children. Raising them was my privilege and joy. After my children started school, I went back to school for keyboarding. I worked in sells at General Motors for 10 years after which I sold insurance for New York Life and retired after 20 years of sales from Knowles Publishing.

In 1982 I rededicated my life to Jesus Christ and made sure to introduce my children to a true and living God. I also enjoyed ministering, leading and teaching children’s church, writing church plays, greeting and encouraging others.

Momma

We will miss your phone calls, your prayers, advise, laughter, family outings, vacations, game nights, and your genuine love of life. You never met a stranger and I better understood that when I had to deliver the news of your passing on Friday, January 29, 2021 to your friends and loved ones. Mourning with them and listening to the stories they told about you brought me life, joy and peace. We know NO ONE can ever fill your shoes and we, your children, will have to depend on God and each other as we never have before. You saw your children and grandchildren as unique individuals with greatness on the inside of us. Thank you for seeing things in me that I did not see in myself. We are proud to call you mom, mother, momma, friend, granny Eva, and most importantly as we have told you time and time again you are the reason we have a relationship with Christ. We were able to see the transformation in your life and that ministered to us more than any words ever could. The grace and wisdom you have instilled in us will keep us until we meet again. Enjoy walking around Heaven all day.

Our mom leaves to cherish her unforgettable memory two sons, John William Bryant Jr. (Wanda), Christopher Bryant Sr., and a daughter Angela Hall (Edward), all of Fort Worth. Grandchildren, Johnny, Ebony, Jamil, Camille, and John III and Jaylin her great grandchild. Cordelia Odom - Barnes of Fort Worth, her sister. An aunt Lilian Lee of Fort Worth. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters in Christ, and friends.