Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, at Carson Springs Baptist Church for Katherine Thomas Bryant, 85, of Foxworth, who passed from this life into God’s presence on Saturday, Sept 18. Burial followed in Carson Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Archie Herrin officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19, at Carson Springs Baptist Church.
Katherine or Mamaw Kat, as she was known to most everyone, was born in Marion County and grew up in the Pickwick community and attended Hopewell and Columbia School Systems. She became a military wife when she married Carroll at a very young age. She traveled with him as he was transferred to different army bases around the United States and stationed overseas, all while taking care of three young children. The only time they were ever separated was when he was in Korea and Vietnam. They made their home in Pickwick before his first tour in Vietnam.
She became a law enforcement wife after he retired from the Army after 22 years. During this time, she and the other policeman’s wives formed a bonding group where they helped with different events for the Columbia Law Enforcement and community.
She was a devoted mom and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for her children. She made sure she attended their school and church activities. Her house was the place to be after school. The kids’ school friends always found their way to her home where they found cookies, cakes and a meal ready for everyone.
When she became Mamaw Kat, she made sure her grandbabies did not attend daycare and took care of them after school. Maria and Jeanna said she was their second mom. She made sure to attend all of the grandchildren’s school and church activities.
She was a devoted Christian and was a member of the Carson Springs Baptist Church. Until she was disabled, she was very active in church. She served as a deacon’s wife, attended Sunday School and was active in all of the events at the church, from cleaning to decorating, cooking and working in the flower beds.
She had a special gift of sending cards to her family, friends and church family. She wanted them to know she was thinking and praying for them during their sickness or if they just needed a thinking of you card. I don’t think she ever missed sending a birthday card to any of her friends or family. When she was unable to write anymore, she told Toni who to send cards to on her behalf. She wanted them to know they were remembered.
Also, before she was disabled, she had a special baking gift. She took pound cakes and cookies to anyone she thought needed their spirits lifted. If you came to her house, you always went home with something.
She was known as a loving, sweet nurturing spirit with a contagious smile and a personal caretaker for family members. She devoted her life to helping and taking care of others. She cared for her mom for over 10 years as she battled the terrible sickness of Alzheimers. She loved her family and you knew she loved you. She was faithful in her walk in God, always letting her light shine. She will be remembered for being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her father, Taylor Thomas; mother, Willie Mae Dickerson; sister, Ellean Shoemake, and brother, T. E. Thomas Jr.
Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Carroll B. Bryant; daughter, Toni Stringer; two sons, Mike Bickerstaff (Sue) and Gene Bryant (Debbie); six grandchildren, Chris Bickerstaff, Amber Perry, Maria Temples (Joe Joe), Jeanna Barnes (Doug), Joshua Bryant (Melanie) and Justin Bryant (Amanda); 12 great-grandchildren, Aubree Maddox, Kelsey Maddox, Davin Bickerstaff, Jazmine Rutland (Tristan), Kamryne Blocker (Cord), Ethan Temples, Breanna Mae, C. J. Barnes, AnnaKaylin Harrison (Kris), Branson Bryant, Savannah Price and Anna Price, and eight great-great-grandchildren, Claire McClendon, Evie Kathryne Blocker, Brooklyn Harrison, Emily Harrison, Maverick Harrison, Karstyn Kelly, Maddox Temples and Waylon Temples.
We invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with the family through our website at www.colonialfuneralhomes-ms.com.
Colonial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
