Dr. Barbara Harp Bryant

The family will receive friends at collier butler funeral home in Gadsden from 12 O’clock pm until two O’clock pm, followed by a funeral service at two O’clock. Burial will follow at Rainbow Memorial Gardens.

Dr. Bryant was born on December 4th, 1940, in Gadsden, Alabama.

Preceded in death by parents, Jimmie B. Harp & Juanita Sizemore Harp. Beloved husband of 58 years Bob “BearTracks” Bryant. Sister; Charlotte Harp Lankford. Brother; Mickey Harp. Brother-in-law; Bobby Roach. Nephew; Jimmie G. Harp. And best friend and business partner, Buford L. Copeland.

She is survived by Son; Bobby Gene Bryant II (Karen) of Gulf breeze FL. Daughter; Beverly Bryant Colvin (Jeff) of Rainbow city AL. Grandchildren; Bobby G. Bryant III, Elizabeth Colvin Bohannon (Lee), Patrick Bryant (Toni), Jeffery Colvin (Bree), Laura Colvin Stargell (Justin), Bryan Colvin. Great-Grandchildren; Abby, Adelyn, Logan, Annie, Lincoln, London, Palmer, Kenley, Trace, Ayden, Emma, Teddy. Siblings; Jimmie (Jeanne) Harp, Dennis (Nancy) Harp, DeLores Roach, Debroah (David) Gibbs, Terry (Laura) Harp, Brother-in-Law; Ladale Lankford.

Extended family of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, friends and loved ones who are too numerous to mention by name.

Here is a fond tale that Dr. Bryant always told of her late husband. Bear expressed to her that at the age of 14-year-old she was already chosen to be his, as her father stated, “she was only allowed to date at the age of 16” . He then asked her to marry him on their first date on her 16th birthday, when he arrived her father standing at 5’9 opened the door, looked up at a 6’6” tall Bear and said, “She can’t go! I said she could date boys, not men!” Bear and Barbara were married for 58 years, Blessed with a son, daughter, 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren.

She was a graduate of Glencoe Highschool c/o: 1959. she obtained her B.S degree at Jacksonville State University 1963-64. Earned her master’s degree from the University of Alabama in 1965, and then her Doctorate in 1971. She completed advanced graduate work at UAB, Advanced work/training in Washington, DC and Atl, GA for political strategy, campaign and elections.

She taught at Hokes Bluff high school 1963-65 (among students were Probate judge Bobby Junkins & Sherif James Hayes). 1965-89 Gadsden state community college she was among the first instructors hired before any buildings were built. Titles included; Instructor, Head of nursing and home economics. Promoted to administrative positions: First: Director of community services, retired as director, institutional research and federal programs. She helped establish programs such as senior citizens nutrition sites, meals-on-wheels, dial-a-ride, the flight program, the department of religion, the women’s program, and many more.

She was elected as a delegate in the national democratic convention 1980-2004. Elected SDEC board of fourth congressional 1982-98. She published “The Democratic party cookbook”, “The democratic newsletter” and “Back around the table” and many other newsletters. She was a business owner of ANSVAR, Bryant’s Fire Equipment, Bryant and associates (campaign Consulting, computer data imaging and archiving). involved in real estate projects. owned and published two newspapers: The Islander in Pensacola, FL and The Messenger in Etowah County as well as many newsletters.

Dr. Bryant was highly educated! She possessed even more accomplishments in her life than we could even begin to cover.

Dr. Bryant also known as “Grandmommie” to many, enjoyed spending time with her family. During the warmer months she enjoyed the beach and going on cruises while the colder months she enjoyed the mountains and the changing of the seasons. After all the titles she earned, she always said “Being a mother and grandmommie, loved so much I was promoted to Great Grandmommie”.

Pallbearers will be Grandsons; Bobby Bryant III, Patrick Bryant, Jeffery Colvin II, Bryan Colvin, Lee Bohannon, Justin Stargell. Nephews; Paul Harp, Andy Harp, Jonathon Lankford, Jon David Gibbs, Harrison Gibbs. Honorary pallbearers Jeff Colvin and Great Grandsons.

The family would like to extend the greatest appreciation to Gentiva Hospice, Jada Morgan & Jennifer. Coosa Family Care in Rainbow City, Center well, Jill Walker, Jodi Boone, Helen Allred, and Kristy Anne. The many friends and family who visited.