Helen Bryant

Mrs. Helen M. Bryant, affectionately called, "Lil Bae or Bee" by the family, was born to the late Hattie Carlisle and Ernest Norfleet in Newbern, Alabama. They both preceded her in death.

She accepted Christ at an early age and united with Oak Grove Methodist Church in Newbern, Alabama. Later in life she moved to Birmingham, Alabama where she met and married the late Reverend Alfonzy Bryant, Jr. To this union eight children were born. Her sons, Theola (Fannie) Ward, Jr, Alfonzy Bryant, III and Alonzy (Gwendolyn) Bryant preceded her in death.

Later in life, she joined Bryant Fountain of Love Baptist Church. Her husband started the church in 1987. There she taught Sunday School, joined the choir and was Superintendent of the Sunday school.

For many years, in her past-time she enjoyed being a Seamstress. She also, enjoyed watching Family Feud each day. She continued to read the Bible every day until she was unable to do so.

Our mother worked as an X-ray Technician at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, but mainly as an Insurance Agent and Clerk at Protective Industrial Insurance Company in Birmingham, Alabama. She did a wonderful job taking care of her children. She was there for her children every step of the way.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: five daughters, Cynthia Bryant-Ray, Melinda (Clarence) Royals, Hattie Joshua, Prentella Jones and Tonyia Cunningham; one son, Troi Bryant; loving and devoted sisters, Lola Skeen and Patricia (Charles) Pryor and a host of other relatives. She adored her 19 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren and they were devoted to her. She remained close to all her friends and her Bryant Fountain of Love Church Family, and had regular conversations with her old friends, Annie Jenkins, Clara Sillman, Arlene Washington, Charles Faulkner and Josh Person.