Melba Bryant

ATHENS – Melba Branyon Bryant, 83, died Thursday, September 16, 2010, following a period of declining health.

She was the daughter of the late Calvin and Lois McCarty Branyon. She retired from Wilkins Industry with more than 40 years of service and was a member of Friendship Baptist Church since 1973, where she loved to sing in the choir. She was a Sunday School Teacher and was the Ladies Prayer Coordinator. Mrs. Bryant was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, J.D. Bryant; and brothers, C.S. Branyon Jr., Rev. Elmer Branyon and William C. “Bill” Branyon.

Survivors include sons and daughter-in-law, Johnny W. Bryant, Athens, and Clayton and Phyllis Bryant, Ila; grandchildren, Jonathan and Catherine Bryant and Billy Singleton.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 19, at 3 p.m., from the Friendship Baptist Church with the Revs. Larry Elliott and Dayton Logan officiating. Burial will be at Moons Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Billy Singleton, Hugh Harold Holcomb, Tim Branyon, Sammy Cofer, Joseph Cofer and Dean Cofer. Honorary pallbearers will be the Friendship Baptist Church Choir. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, September 18, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018, or a charity of one’s choice.

Lord & Stephens Funeral home, Madison Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.