Jane Bryant

Audrey “Jane” Baker Bryant, passed peacefully at home into the arms of her Savior Jesus on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, at the age of 88. She beautifully modeled the virtuous woman embracing life with a gentle spirit and a servant’s heart. 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 

She was the beloved and devoted wife and help mate of her surviving husband Don Bryant. Whether keeping their home, keeping the books or keeping his story telling facts straight, Jane loved Don beautifully through 68 years of marriage. His love and devotion to her was complete and tender. 

Cherished also by those who loved her as Momma, Grandma, Meme or Emaw her surviving progeny include children Barry Bryant (Rhonda), Cindy Clark (Dana), Dale Bryant (Pam) and Rhonda Harris (Burley). She enjoyed the blessing of nine grandchildren Ben Bryant, Audrey Bryant, Rachel Bryant, Catherine Bryant, Ashley Clark Deal (Parker), Olivia Harris Keene (Kenny), Hannah Bryant Kelley (Ben), Amber Clark, Daniel Bryant and three great-grandchildren Judith Kelley, Ezra Deal and August Kelley. She is also survived by many who knew her as Aunt Jane as well as extended family members Judy Bryant, Betty Baker and Sandi Scott. 

Momma’s gentle strength was never imposing but was an ever-present assurance and comfort to her loved ones as she quietly covered them in prayer. She was a faithful conduit of God’s blessings in the lives of those who adored her. 

A woman of many talents, Grandma was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed the homemaking arts. Her love was most eloquently expressed through cooking for and with others. Her generosity was often shown by her hospitality. Everyone was welcome in her home and around her table. At family gatherings, she would soak in the company and conversation of others often interjecting her down-to-earth wit with well-oiled comedic timing. The ensuing laughter of others would leave her in a state of self-amusement. She was most amused when she amused others. 

Although intentional and precise in all that she did and believed, Meme’s often perceived “go with the flow” attitude was cover for her servant’s heart lovingly yielding to the needs and wants of others. She loved others as herself (Mark 12:31 OBV). Kindness, compassion, resilience and an unwavering love and support of others were hallmarks of her personality. Speaking of hallmarks… or more aptly, Hallmark… Christmas was her passion. 

The Christmas season for Emaw began on December 26 and lasted until December the 25 of the next year! Consistent with her frugal nature she patiently waited for the after Christmas decoration sales to add to her Hallmark ornament collections. When the autumn leaves began to fall every room in her house would gradually fill with the adornments of her favorite celebration. It is fitting that she entered her eternal home on the day we celebrate the birth of her Savior, Jesus. Her body is healed, and her mind is whole. Glory be to God. Hallelujah! Praise His holy name! 

A great cloud of witnesses awaited her. The last of her immediate Baker family, Jane was preceded in death by her parents Troy William Baker, Sr. and Sarah Augusta Byrd Baker and seven siblings Zozelle “Zo” Baker Pugh, Catherine Baker Weaver (Crawford), Velma Dean Baker Magill, (Buck), Troy William Baker, Jr. (Martha), John Franklin Baker (infant), Anita Ruth Baker Lawson (Odean) and James T. "Tom" Baker (Betty). Together, they are casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea! 

A private family memorial will be held in Jane’s honor at a later date. 

Beloved, Audrey Jane Baker Bryant - “She sat quietly but loved so loud!"