Leatha Marie Bryant

Leatha Marie Bryant was born on February 5, 1932, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and was the second of the nine children of James Monroe Bryant and Savillo Jefferson Bryant. It was in Arkadelphia that Leatha was baptized at an early age and became a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church. She participated in youth activities, Sunday School, singing in the choir, and the Allen Christian Endeavors (ACE) League. During her youth, Leatha attended Peake High School and graduated with honors. 

She attended Arkansas AM&N College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, now known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. While at Arkansas AM&N College, she was initiated as a member of the Alpha Chi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She graduated with a degree in Home Economics. Leatha started her teaching career in Terrell, Arkansas. While teaching in Malvern, Arkansas, she attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia and earned a Master's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Biology. She later moved to Malvern and was very active in community activities. After she retired she became a 4-H Club volunteer. She received Arkansas’ highest recognition as a volunteer.

Leatha was elected to serve on the Malvern city council. She served on the city council for six years and her name is on many plaques in Malvern. She received an invitation to attend the inauguration of President William “Bill” Clinton. She chose to attend because she felt that it was an honor to be invited.

Leatha was preceded in death by her parents, James and Savillo Bryant; sisters, Evelyn Burkett, and Rosemary Henry; brothers, Monroe Bryant, and Moses Bryant.

She was survived by two sisters and two brothers, Thelma Harris of Culver City, CA; Cora (Walter) Ssengoba-Karatz of Ann Arber, MI; Richard (Lillie) Bryant of Hot Springs, AR; James (Nora) Bryant of Hot Springs, AR; one brother-in-law, Abraham Henry of Flint, MI; and close friend, Fannie B. Lee of Arkadelphia, AR. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Submitted by the Bryant Family.

Public visitation will be on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul A.M.E. Church. The interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.