Odessa W (White) Bryant

The Bryant Family officially announces the Obsequies 

for 

Beloved Educator, Soror, and Saint of God

Mrs. Odessa White Bryant

With tremendous sorrow, we submit  our saddened hearts to the will of our Father as we humbly announce the unforeseen, yet Triumphant Journey of our beloved, Mrs. Odessa White Bryant who gently closed her eyes and return to God's garden of peace. For we don't weep as those who have no hope but rejoice that she has now received her reward. We Bynes-Royall Funeral Home Family and Staff along with the Byrant Family request your prayers.

 Celebration of Life- Mrs. Odessa White Bryant
Mrs. Odessa W. Bryant was born June 3, 1931, in Buckhead, Georgia to Bennie Mae Walker White and George Washington White Sr. She was the first-born daughter of ten children to this marriage union! Odessa was raised in Madison, Georgia by her parents but she and her sister Annie relocated to Savannah, Georgia to live with relatives to further their high school education. “Des” as she was affectionately known by her family, graduated from A.E. Beach High School in Savannah, Georgia.

Odessa went on to Savannah State College (now University), and became a member of Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Odessa’s passion for children led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Savannah State College. She also earned a master's degree in education from Indiana University.

She taught elementary school for 30 years and was the proud recipient of the “Teacher of the Year Award” at Anderson Street Elementary School for the 1965-1966 school year.

While working at a Savannah local theater for “Blacks Only,” Odessa met the “love of her life” and married William A. Bryant Sr. Their love for one another led to almost 70 years of marriage.

Together they raised two sons William and Robert Bryant.
Odessa was known as a woman of virtue through her many acts of love. She was focused on healthy eating and making a positive contribution to her community.

Her adoration for the community led her to the Daintees Social Club in Savannah. It was there she created space for a small group of Black female educators to grow and bond.

Additionally, for many years she actively contributed to advance the issues of the Liberty City-Richfield-Southover Neighborhood Association.

While supporting these groups, her priority was dedicated to St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church where she participated in the Knights of Columbus #10274 Ladies Auxiliary, the Council of Catholic Women, the Soup Kitchen helping needy families and the Bereavement Committee.

Odessa was also a dedicated prayer warrior! She coordinated the Prayer Team for a season and was a devoted weekly adoration member until her health declined.

Everyone connected with “Des” or “Mrs. Odessa” because of her infectious smile and genuine love. She was loving and generous to anyone she encountered.

Her life’s journey allowed her to develop close relationships with family and friends which she valued and adored. Odessa can best be described as a caring, kind and loyal woman, but most of all, she deeply loved God!

 On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, in the comfort of her home, Odessa peacefully passed away and entered into her eternal heavenly home!

Her parents, Bennie Mae White and George White Sr., preceded her in death. Additionally, her siblings, Harvey White, Gladyse White Harris, Jesse White, Lillian White, George White Jr, I.V. White and Sammie White preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Mr. William A. Bryant Jr. and Dr. Robert G. Bryant, four grandsons, Mr. D’Vonte (Nyresha) McGhee Sr, Mr. MarQuez (Brittney) McGhee, Mr. Eric Curry, Mr. Jermaine Curry, a great grandson; D’Vonte McGhee Jr. and soon a great granddaughter. She also leaves behind one loving sister, Mrs. Annie White Marks of Atlanta, GA, and beloved youngest brother Willie (Anita) White of Glendale, AZ, many nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.
 

The Necrological Arrangements 

Celebration of Life, Legacy and Spirit of 

Mrs. Odessa White Bryant

The Queen lies in Repose: Friday October 18, 2024, 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 p.m. Frank H. &  Frenchye M. Bynes Memorial Chapel (Bynes-Royall Funeral Home)

Visitation: Friday October 18, 2024 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 pm at (Frank H. & Frenchye M. Bynes Memorial Chapel)

Alpha Kappa Alpha: Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony 6:00 P.M. Friday at the Funeral Home

Celebration of Triumph and Victory / Mass of Christian Burial:

10:00 am Saturday October 19, 2024 at  Saint Benedict the Moor Catholic Church,  441 East Broad Street, Savannah, Georgia, 31401 

Rev. Romanus Obiora Ezeugwu, MSP / 

And She Shall Rest Until The Great Day

Catholic Cemetery ~ 1720 Wheaton Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

"FOR ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST.......AND TO DIE IS GAIN"

Final Care and Service of Compassion are being provided to the Bryant Family, with Grace, Love, and Dignity by:
 Bynes-Royall Funeral Home Family and Staff
204 West Hall Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Tel: 912-233-2175 ~ Fax: 912-234-9343
Mr. Edward D. Musgrow - Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer 
Owned and Operated by the Bynes Family

"A Ministry of Love, Comfort and Prayer"

"PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS." PSALM 116:1

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