Cathlean B. "Cat" Bryant

On Saturday, March 18, 2023, God saw fit to welcome His beautiful daughter, Cathlean Branch Bryant, to her heavenly home. She departed this life at the Bon Secours Southside Medical Center in Petersburg, VA.

Cathlean was affectionately known and loved as “Cat”. She was the youngest of six children born on December 23, 1936, in Garysburg, NC to Lee Branch and Thelma Louise Branch. At a very young age, her father passed, and she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Early Burrell. 

Cathlean was educated in the Greensville County Public School System in Emporia, VA.

Cathlean was baptized and remained a faithful member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Skippers, VA. She was an active participant in the Senior Choir, Missionary Circle, Pastor’s Aide and Food Service ministries. Cathlean loved to sing and had the voice of an angel. When she wasn’t with her Antioch choir, she would sing with the Diamond Grove Baptist Church choir on alternating Sundays.

Cathlean worked as a Nursing Assistant at the office of Dr. Paulus C. Taylor, MD for many years. After his retirement, she worked at the Emporia Garment Factory as a sewing machine operator. She later worked for Dee’s Draperies as a seamstress. In her spare time, Cathlean worked as a caregiver, sewing contractor, and baker throughout her community. She had a passion for cooking and feeding everyone that came to visit. She loved gardening and growing flowers. In her free time, you could always find Cat at her kitchen table playing cards with whomever would take a seat and sometimes she would just play by herself. She would say, “I’m just passing time, nothing else to do.” Bid Whist, Spades, and Solitaire were her favorite games and she hated to lose. In fact, if she didn’t win, the other players may have been cheating.

Cathlean had a loving and caring spirit, as well as a heart of gold. She was always willing to extend a helping hand in any capacity. She was the matriarch of the family and filled many shoes for many people. She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She walked with the universe on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings. She never complained about anything, with her response always being, “I’m alright.”

Cathlean was married to the late Leotis “Pete” Bryant for twenty-nine years and from that union four children were born.  

Cathlean was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather; two sisters, Annie B. Little and Anna R. Hickman; and three brothers, Theodore Branch, Robert L. Branch, and Frank R. Branch.

Cathlean was a Godly Mother and she took that role serious where she loved and cared for her children. She was to teach, train, nurture, and discipline them. In doing so, Cathlean will always and forever be loved and cherished by her daughters, Regina Dungee (Samuel) and Anita Bryant; her sons, Marvin Bryant, Sr. and Paulus Bryant, Sr. (Ellen); stepson, Bernard Johnson (Renea); four granddaughters, Karimah, Marina, Tiffany and Brooke; step-granddaughter, Kesha; four grandsons, Tremaine, Marvin Jr., Paulus Jr. and Octavian; three step-grandsons, Maurice, Bernard Jr. and Bryan; seven great granddaughters, four great grandsons; two brothers-in-law, Melvin Little and James Hickman; a loyal and dedicated little man, Zylic Hawkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Cathlean touched the lives and hearts of many, her presence and powerful impact will be missed. When the matriarch of your family passes, it’s almost as if the world is put on pause. And when time starts again, nothing feels the same.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gates.” Proverbs 31:31

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Friday, March 31, 2023 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 1050 Taylors Mill Road, Emporia, VA, the Rev. Corey T. Lee, Sr., Pastor, and Apostle Richard L. Webb, eulogist.  The interment to follow at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

The viewing for Ms. Bryant will be held from 12 Noon until 7 P.M., Thursday, March 30, 2023 at R.E. Pearson and Son Funeral Service, Inc., 556 Halifax Street, Emporia, VA.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.