Holly Jean Powell - Bryant

Holly Jean Powell-Bryant, age 78, suddenly departed from this life on Thursday, May 28, 2026. She was born to Dr. Jackson LeRoy Harrington and Freda Opal Lewis on May 22, 1948 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

She spent the early part of her life growing up in Hot Springs during the 50’s and 60’s, which was known for its historic bathhouses attracting visitors for its healing thermal waters. The area also had a reputation for gambling and organized crime during this time, making it a unique blend of relaxation and intriguing entertainment. She was also a cattie for her father when he went to go play golf and she spent numerous weekends at Paradise Point on Lake Hamilton with family.

She graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1966 and was part of the National Honor Society. She continued her journey into the world by receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1970 at Arkansas State University and then finished with her Master’s Degree in 1980 at Henderson University in Arkansas. She found her calling in teaching and was a dedicated Special Ed Teacher at Amboy Elementary of the North Little Rock School District. After devoting 31 years to teaching, she retired in May,2013.

Holly met and married her first late husband, Thomas Powell, on May 1, 1982. He previously had a daughter, Mary Powell; and Holly loved and raised her as her very own. She lived in Little Rock Arkansas most of her adult life. In 1986, their family grew by one more and they welcomed home their son, Matthew E. Powell. Together they made many lifelong memories. She was known as “Momma Pow” to all of Matthew’s friends because she welcomed everyone into her home and treated them as if they were her own. However, Thomas succumbed to his illness and later passed away on June 26, 2011.

After her season of sorrow, she poured everything into her family, friends, and those she cared for in various help groups and at church. She attended Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, AR.

She unexpectedly found love and laughter again with meeting Jerry N Bryant of Little Rock, AR in the Fall of 2016. Jerry and his funny jokes brought more laughter back into her life. They joined in marriage on a beautiful day on October 20, 2018. “She was the love of my life.” ~ Jerry. Holly lived the rest of her life going on adventures and exploring the country with Jerry, going on road trips and exciting cruises.

What Holly loved the most was her family. Her favorite hobbies were gardening, reading, and traveling. Her favorite songs were anything sung by Willie Nelson.

Her cherished life will be forever remembered by the lives of her family; her husband, Jerry Bryant; her son, Matthew Powell (Maria); her step-son, Scott Bryant (Ann); her step-daughters, Samantha Kaufman (John) and Mary Powell (Lisa); her cousin, Shirley Bohland; her grandchild, Gabriella, and step-grandchildren: Alissa, Ashton, Estella, Tristan, Athena, Tosha, Talia, Mac, and Riley; along with all her other devoted family members and cherished friends.

Everybody Holly touched had loved her. Her heart was as big as the ocean. She was kind and saw the best in everyone. “I loved her kindness and all her love for me. She was always a listening ear and she never gave up on me. I’m going to miss that.” ~ Matthew.

Visitation will be held at Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and then the Celebration of Life Service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 11:00 am. After the celebration, all are welcome to join the family as we carry Holly on her final journey to rest at Memorial Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas at 2:00pm. The Pall Bearers: Matthew Powell, Sammy Chung, Jacob Smith, Michael Ravellette, DJ Stack, Scott Bryant, Brian Carrio, and Allen Carrio.