Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her.  Many women have done excellently but you surpass them all.  Proverbs 31:28-29.

Our community has suffered a great loss, but this is heaven's gain.  Mrs. Mary Nell Bryant was that Christian Lady who has done excellently and surpassed them all .

Mary "Nell" Perry was born on September 27, 1938, to the delight of J.C. "Buster" and Oma Perry in Lowndes County.  She was one of ten children and that was a joy in itself growing up.  There was always plenty of work, fun and laughter for the Perry household.  Her father, fondly called "Papa" made sure the children learned work ethic by working on the family farm.  It did not take the family long to realize Nell was creative and full of talent that began with her making clothes for dolls.  That skill would flourish into a career that would impact many young ladies and men for years to come for she was that Christian Lady who has done excellently and surpassed them all.

She accepted Christ at a very young age at Francis Lake AME Church in Lake Park and grew up with a father who was an avid bible scholar and along with his wife, taught the children the love of God's word.  Mrs. Bryant always referenced things she learned under "Papa."

She attended the schools of Lowndes County graduating from Lowndes County Training School in 1956.  From there she matriculated to Ft. Valley State College where she completed her bachelor's degree.

In 1961, she met LaBarfield Bryant, and the relationship grew into a love that would last forever. In a short while they were united as one building their home and loving memories.  After moving to Jasper, she began teaching at J.R.E. Lee High School then Hamilton County High.  She would teach for decades reaching, teaching motivating and being that catalyst for children and families.  From talent shows to fashion shows to oratorical contests and more, Mrs. Bryant made it a joy to come to school.  She helped created possibilities for children and helped them believe in themselves.  Giving up was never an option and because of her tenacity, many students are successful today.  To know her was to love her for she was that Christian Lady who has done excellently and surpassed them all.

The family children became a part of Jasper, and they were in and out at the farm and the church.  There was never an end to the Perry clan, for generations kept coming.  The New Year's Eve fireworks and other family days were highly anticipated along with regular cookouts at the Bryant's home.  The most anticipated fellowship with family for her was the weekly family prayer line.   Her prayer life was strong and fervent, and she was in constant prayer for all because she was that Christian Lady who has done excellently and surpassed them all.

Not long after making Jasper her home, Sis. Bryant became a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church, joining her husband and family.  She became very busy as an astute and effective teacher and superintendent of the Sunday School.  Under Sis. Bryant's leadership the Sunday School flourished.  There were so many things that can be attributed to her such as Sunday School attendance growth, Sunday School Charter bus trips to Six Flags, Busch Gardens, Six Gun Territory, Silver Springs, Disney World, Wet 'N Wild and so much more.  There were years the attendance was so great; two charter buses were secured.  The Sunday School took care of providing the best of everything.  There were amazing carnivals and cookouts and the famed hayrides that children cherished.  She taught and modeled public speaking and required such of many of the students.  Her planned summer vacation bible school experiences for all ages with a grand cookout finale were amazing.  Sis. Bryant gave so much as one of the leaders of the Education Awards Day at church. She became the Missionary Society President and worked as a shining light for the Lord, encouraging and motivating young women and men.  She was gifted with bible expository skills and absolutely adored teaching God's word. She adored Tuesday evening with the mission sisters and cherished being a Golden Member of the church.  Each Sunday morning, Sis. Bryant was the official Welcome Greeter for the church and her oratorical skills were second to none.  Whenever she spoke, there was a message to ponder for she was that that Christian Lady who has done excellently and surpassed them all .

Mrs. Bryant's most recent affiliations include  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Hamilton County FAMU Alumni Chapter, and Las Muchachas. She has served well in the spirit of love, peace, and joy.

She enjoyed traveling the world over with family and she always brought a piece of each location back to friends, family and loved ones.  Many highpoints were events and travels with her sorority.

These past few months have been a challenge, but she never wavered as she provided the best care for her husband.  She took care of every need with her faith in God.  She depended on His word, and she made it known often, "I am alright, I'm alright.  Whenever He calls me, I am ready.  I am just making sure Barfield is alright; I'm just trying to get him stronger and more independent."  She did just that because she was that Christian Lady who has done excellently and surpassed them all.

On Sunday, November 28, 2021, this beautiful, regal, graceful angel on earth slept away in her home . In a twinkling of an eye, she answered the master's call.  Her work is finished; servant of God well done.

Her parents, beloved son – Bobby Bryant, granddaughter – Erika Sheppard, siblings- Roman Perry, Leonard Perry, James Perry, Jr., Robert Perry, Donald Perry, and Velma Miles, preceded her in death.

Her memory will live forever in the hearts of her Dedicated and caring husband, LaBarfield Bryant; Devoted and loving children:  Cassandra (Alex) Sheppard and L. Bernell Bryant; Compassionate grandchildren:  Aaron (Amanda) Sheppard, Krystal Sheppard, Shea (Shandon) Hood, Shandra (Ricardo) Gainous, Kenyada (Antonio) Wesley, and Mari Griffin; 15 precious great grandchildren; Supportive and affectionate siblings:  Laverne (Sully) Shiver-Carter, Bernard (Sheena) Perry, Linda (Lonnie) Denton; In-laws: Marilyn Perry, John Miles, Gwendolyn B. Johnson, Beatrice (Carl) Crowell, Sylvia (Harrison) Phillips; Godchildren:  Paula G. Williams, Lisa G. Knight, Julie J. Baker and Reginald Akins;  a host of awesome nephews, nieces, cousins sorrowing friends, and the Greater Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church Family.