Autrineice Fant

Autrineice Fant, affectionately known to her family and friends as “Neice” departed this earthly place on May 7, 2023. She was surrounded by family and friends as she transitioned to her new heavenly home. Throughout her life, it was her faith that sustained her and carried her through and gave her a sense of immense peace that truly surpassed all understanding. Neice’s beautiful and infectious spirit, loving touch, wise (and firm at times) but gentle counsel and wealth of wisdom, supportive demeanor and generosity will live on in those who loved her and all who knew her. She will continue to make us laugh as we reminisce of her smile and signature dance move and bring us joy and comfort when we need encouragement.

Neice was born on July 9, 1960, in Memphis, Tennessee to Lawrence H. Fant, Jr. (Deceased) and Shirlean (Body-Fant) Jones. She was the oldest of two brothers (Corlus O. Fant and Orlando D. Fant ) and two sisters (Felecia M. Jones and Alisa F. Hayes) who she loved dearly. She confessed her belief in Christ at an early age at Union Baptist Church, in Morristown, New Jersey where she became a member and served faithfully.

Growing up in Morristown, Niece loved hanging out with her family and friends whether it was at a football game at Morristown High School during highschool days, local Pizza Parlors off of Speedwell Ave, or just outside with the girls, she adored being around the people she loved and excelled at her studies. After working summer jobs at the Morris County courthouse, her dreams and aspirations became clear…college and becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Upon graduating from high school, Neice enrolled at Tennessee State University (TSU) in Nashville, Tennessee. During her time at TSU, she spent many hours, weekends and holidays in Memphis visiting her grandmother Mrs. Irene Fant, great-grandmother Mrs. Estella Body and Aunt Lottie where she gained invaluable history from them which she shared with many. After leaving TSU, Niece transferred to Howard University (HU…you know!) in Washington, DC where she made her home. Her career spanned from Human Resources to Operations at various companies including Time Life Magazine, Dossier Magazine, NASA and Botterra Tech.

While working and living in DC, she met Charles Bunn and they became parents of a beautiful baby girl Brittany K. Bunn. Niece loved being a mom and was always a very doting and loving parent from the very beginning. From carpooling to softball practices, museum and fun trips, and always emphasizing the power of education, while being her biggest supporter and advocate- she was always so proud of Brittany. Until the end, Charles and Neice remained supportive friends to each other and continued to be devoted parents to Britty as she affectionately called her.

Neice had a gift for gab! She spent endless hours (always with a bag of popcorn or chips and every now and then something sweet) on the phone talking to her mother, stepfather, brothers, youngest sister, friends and other relatives about everything from the latest news, to her Pooh (beloved dog Knox), movies, what was happening in each other's lives and sometimes reminiscing about sweet memories. Whatever the conversation may be, she just loved keeping in touch with those that she loved and was always there with a listening ear and words of comfort and encouragement usually signing off or finding the perfect moment to insert one of her signature sayings from “don’t let anyone steal your joy /or take you where you want,”, “or I may have been born at night or last night” or “you know misery loves company” or “I ain’t going to tell you nothing wrong” and “be grateful because someone has it worse off than you,” followed by a “I love you” because she never wanted anyone to not know they were so love. She was loyal to her friends and their families, remembering special days and events and never missed a reason to celebrate and hit the dance floor with her shoulder bounce and two step followed by a clap. Neice always loved music whether it was smooth jazz in the garden during the summer months or Parliament Funkadelic, ( Make My Funk The P-Funk ) while hanging out with her girlfriends- it didn’t matter, she just loved a good jam because all were “her song”. She made her presence known wherever she went and really never met a stranger. That was Neice…. pure and simple!

Autrineice leaves in loving memory her beloved daughter Brittany K. Bunn, Bowie, MD, mother, Shirlean Jones and Stepfather Percy Jones, Atlanta, GA, brothers Corlus O. Fant (Jovita), Morristown NJ, Orlando D. Fant (Ursula), Swuanee GA, and sisters Felecia M. Jones Nashville, TN, Alisa F. Hayes (Edward), Memphis, TN. Also, she leaves a host of nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, goddaughters and friends who she had good times with over the years.

Neice’s spirit will live on in those who loved her while on this life’s journey; making us laugh and bringing joy to us. The celebration of Neice’s life will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, Maryland 20722, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM.