Katy Bryant James

Katy Bryant James, 69, of Monroe, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, and went home to be with the Lord. We know that entering through Heaven’s gates brought her pure joy.

Katy was born on July 1, 1956, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, to the late Shirley B. Trezevant and Charles S. Bryant Jr. She was also preceded in death by her stepfather, Daniel H. Trezevant of Tampa, Florida; her grandparents, James C. Trezevant Sr., Cora (Cozee) T. Trezevant of Tampa, Florida, Charles S. Bryant Sr. of Washington, D.C., and Mary L. Davenport of Alexandria, Virginia; and her brother, Michael J. Bryant of Savannah, Georgia.

As the daughter of a military family, Katy spent much of her childhood moving from place to place. Those experiences helped shape her outgoing spirit and her natural ability to connect with people wherever life took her. Katy truly never met a stranger.

Katy graduated from Independence High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1975. She went on to attend Central Piedmont Community College, where she earned her Associate Degree in Nursing in 1980. Katy dedicated her career to nursing, a profession she took great pride in and one that allowed her to care for others with compassion, kindness, and grace. Her caring nature extended far beyond her work and touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Above all else, Katy loved her family. She was a devoted wife to Donald F. James, a loving mother to Shannon Marie James, and a proud grandmother to Raelyn Nikole, Isaiah Makai, and Azaiah Daniel. She is also survived by her dear sister, Betsy J. Bryant of Monroe, North Carolina; her beloved father-in-law, Louis Michael Glasgow of Durham, North Carolina, whose wife, Bobbi Jean Glasgow, preceded Katy in death; her cherished sister-in-law and brother-in-law Tamara and Steven Bratton of Dalton, Georgia; her treasured cousin, Casey T. Cathey of Tampa, Florida; adored Sister-in-Law, Melinda W. Bryant of Fletcher, NC and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends whom she loved dearly.

Katy had a lifelong love of the beach and found great joy in spending time by the ocean. She also loved animals, especially her horses. Among her favorites were Bobby Ray, a quarter horse affectionately known as the “bad pony” for his habit of biting her on the backside; Sadie Ray, a gentle dapple draft horse; and Sylvia Ray, a beautiful thoroughbred. Caring for them and spending time with them brought Katy endless happiness.

Even through life’s challenges and her diagnosis, Katy found ways to stay active and connected to the people she loved. With the help of her supportive niece, Sarah E. Reash, who often handed over her phone, Katy would call or text her way through her contact list until someone answered. What followed was often an hour of stories, laughter, and heartfelt conversation. And if you didn’t answer, Katy made sure to leave a voicemail you would not soon forget—full of the same humor, warmth, and personality that made her so special. She had a gift for making people feel loved, heard, and appreciated.

Katy will be remembered for her incredible sense of humor and her ability to bring laughter to any situation. She was the person others called when they needed a smile, a good story, or a reminder that things would be okay. Katy had a way of making everyone around her feel valued, comforted, and loved, and she never missed an opportunity to brighten someone’s day.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1095 E. Franklin St., Monroe, North Carolina 28112. Burial will follow at Lakeland Memorial Park.

Katy’s presence will be deeply missed, but her laughter, love, and the countless memories she created will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.