Ruth Laverne Bryant

She is survived by three children Greg Bryant of Paris, Texas, Linda Patschke and husband Walter of Waxahachie, Texas and Anita Lee and husband Sam of Decatur, Texas. One sister Tommie Dunn of Perry, Oklahoma, four brothers Thomas Draper of Bonham, Texas, John Draper of Reno, Texas, Bill Draper of Reno, Texas and Don Draper of Paris, Texas. She is also survived by grandchildren Richard Harrison, Michelle Harris, Corey Harris, Shelly Bryant and Zachary Espinoza; great grandchildren, Stormy Tyson, Justin Harrison, Zayden Espinoza, Kyleigh, Kaden and Grace Harris, Kason Johnson, Jaxon and Rocco Bryant; Great-great grandchildren Stayden and Laken Harrison, Hayden and Henley Jo Tyson along with numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

She is preceded in death by one son, Wendell Bryant of Colorado City, Texas, a grandson Eric Espinoza of Decatur, Texas, two sisters Betty Hackfeld of Loraine, Texas and Mary Tamino of Seattle, Washington.

Ruth was the daughter of Thomas Asbury Draper and Exa Bea Draper. She was born on January 30, 1927 in the Ford Academy Community and grew up in the Camp Maxey area. She attended schools at Ford’s Academy, Caviness, and Atlas and graduated from Midway High School in 1945.

She married George W. Bryant, June 8, 1945 in Paris, Texas. They lived in Colorado City, TX for 49 years. Ruth loved her Lord and loved reading her Bible and teaching Sunday school class for 30 years in west Texas. After she and George retired and moved back to Paris, TX in 1994, they were members of Victory Baptist Church where she participated in many activities.

She was always busy with her many projects, which included sewing, quilting and crocheting. Ruth also loved working in her garden, canning and freezing produce for her family throughout the years. She loved cooking and baking for everyone and worked in the school cafeteria for many years after her children were grown.

Viewing is scheduled for 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2022 at Bright-Holland Funeral Home. Graveside service will be at Union Grove Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022.