A Historical Life

Mr. LaBarfield Bryant, Sr. was born to Mr. Booker T. & Mrs. Corene R. Barfield Bryant on January 15, 1936.  His home was one of Christian light a love.  His mother, a devout Christian and educator, believed in a good education and preparing for anything to come.   She worked hard putting her three daughters through college and supporting a son, Booker T. Bryant, Jr. who was killed in the Korean War and encouraging Barfield to follow his dreams.

LaBarfield attended JRE Lee High School, graduating with the Class of 1954.  While in school, he worked hard to reach goals and he was encouraged to do so.  There was never a dull moment growing up with high expectations set for his siblings and him.

At an early age, he joined Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church where he served all of his life.  He was a big part of the early formed Brotherhood Ministry, the Brotherhood Sunday School class, Greater Poplar Springs Trustee Board and a Golden Member.  His expertise and negotiating skills helped the church acquire properties around the church.  He made every Sunday School Fall Festival the most enjoyable for young people by providing big trucks and trailers for the hayride.  The Easter Egg Hunt was always festive at the Bryant home, and he enjoyed assisting his wife with getting ready for these activities. Something was always going on in their home for the family children and others.

Mr. Barfield believed in hard work, and he lived by the mantra, "man succeeds by the sweat of his brow…you have to work for what you get."  His work ethic in and around his community is a testament to this.  His life works and success speaks for itself.  He was a wise self-made successful farmer, entrepreneur and businessman.  He provided job opportunities for many to feed their families.

Mr. Bryant has a chapter in the history book of Hamilton County.  He was the first Black police officer in the county and the first Black deputy. He began his career as a law officer without a uniform nor car.  In fact, he used his own personal vehicle to respond to calls until he was given a police car.  He was very proud of his service and was never hurt on the job.  He took pride in cleaning things up and making the community better in an orderly way.  With more than 25 years on the job, he never had to scream yell nor curse, and he only had to draw his gun twice, causing flesh wounds only.  This trailblazer worked with what he had, and he never made excuses.  He simply did his job.  Bryant supported the American Legion efforts and the Council on Aging.  One of the fondest memories while serving on the city council was becoming Mayor of the City of Jasper. He absolutely loved this.  He would say, one of the best things he and his wife did in later years was investing in a young mortician, Eric A. Brown, giving him a strong start in what would be his very own first building of operation.  This love and support will be a testament to Mr. Bryant's memory and the history of Eric A. Brown Funeral Home forever.

Bryant was a family man, one who adored his wife, children and grandchildren, traveling with them all over the world.  He helped his ailing mother, aunt, uncle and loved ones when their health failed.  He faithfully attended family reunions and events with his siblings and others and found this a great joy.

He loved his land, cattle and watching his crops grow on the farm and around the yard. He enjoyed his workers throughout the years and the way they would banter back and forth. This was their own form of communication.  The daily playful minutes with grandsons Ja'ire and Kyson Griffin added joy to his days the last few months.

During this last year, the love of his life was called home after being the best caregiver God could have sent.  She nursed him everyday with love.  He often pondered, "what will I do without Nell?"  God took care of it all.  He placed the very best health team to take care of Bro. Bryant's total needs twenty-four hours a day and to provide support for daughter, Bernell.

On Thursday, September 1, 2022, after a short conversation Bro. Bryant slept away quickly surrounded by first responders, family, caretakers and friends.

His parents, grandparents, brother, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, preceded him in death along with his beloved son LaBarfield "Bobby" Bryant, Jr. and the love of his life, his devoted wife for more than 60 years, Mrs. Mary Nell Perry Bryant.

Cherishing his memory are his devoted and loving daughters, L. Bernell Bryant and Cassandra (Alex) Sheppard; Grandchildren:  Kenyada (Antonio) Wesley, Mari Griffin, Aaron (Amanda) Sheppard, Krystal Sheppard, Shea (Shandon) Hood, Shandra (Ricardo) Gainous; 15 great grandchildren; Sisters:  Gwendolyn Bryant Johnson, Beatrice Bryant (Carl Sr.) Crowell and Sylvia Bryant (Harrison) Phillips; In-Laws:  Laverne (Sully) Carter, Bernard (Sheena) Perry, Linda (Lonnie) Denton, and Marilyn Perry; A very devoted cousin:  Linda Logan (James) Padgett; Devoted caregivers and assistant:  Gladys Anigboro, Mildred Marshall, Lisa Glover and Larry Jones; Godchildren:  Paula G. Williams, Lisa G. Knight, Julie J. Baker and Reginald Akins; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, former employees and sorrowing friends.