Mary Aurora Bryant

Mary was born on November 23, 1934, in Newark, New Jersey, to Mr. John D’Angelo and Mrs. Carmella Caposiena D’Angelo. In 1953 while at a church dance she met the love of her life Mr. Kenneth Lamar “Sonny” Bryant and in 1954 they were married. To this union they were blessed with 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

Following their marriage, Mary and Ken settled in Natchez, MS. They were long term members of Assumption Catholic Church, where Mary was involved with women’s ministry. While in Natchez, Mary was employed as an educator with the Adams County Public School System for 24 years. Mary loved people and was passionate about staying involved and affiliated with her community. Mary was intentional about seeking out opportunities to engage with others including serving as an Antebellum hostess during the Natchez Pilgrimage. Following retirement, Mary and Ken moved to Florence, MS, where she became a “Demo Lady” and could be frequently seen in the local Kroger and/or Wal-Mart handing out samples and visiting with shoppers.

Mary loved helping others and it showed in her servant’s heart. She sang in the choir at St. Jude Catholic Church in Pearl, Mississippi, for 25 years. She also volunteered for 10 years at Briar Hill Rest Home prior to becoming a resident there. When she was not helping others, she enjoyed cooking, being a mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Lamar “Sonny” Bryant, Sr.; parents, Mr. and Mrs. John D’Angelo; and brother, Ralph D’Angelo.

Those left to cherish her memories are sons, Kenneth L. Bryant, Jr., (fiancé Rosie); Carl Bryant (Kim), and daughter, Theresa Odum (Bill); grandchildren, Jennifer McPhail (Adam), Will Bryant, and Mary Beth Odum (fiancé Harrison); and great-grandchild, Declan McPhail.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Tuesday, April 14, 2025, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Mississippi, and then from 10:00am-11:00am on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Pearl, Mississippi. A Mass of Christian burial following at 11:00am at the church. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park on Clinton Blvd in Jackson, Mississippi.