Beverly Bryant

(Nee Swanson)

Age 76 of Mazon, Illinois died Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet, Illinois.

Born March 8, 1948 in Streator, Illinois, Beverly Jean was a daughter of Helmar and Mary Ellen (Girard) Swanson. She was raised on the family farm in rural Kinsman, Illinois, and graduated from Seneca High School with the Class of 1966.

Beverly worked for over 15 years in Mazon, both as a hairstylist at Helen’s Hair Salon and as a waitress at the Feed Bag Restaurant. She later gained employment with Morris Hospital for 17 years as a friendly face delivering meals to patients in their rooms. Beverly had quite the green thumb, often growing house plants and tomato and green pepper plants, as well as her outdoor flowers she tended for many years. She was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan and loved a good John Wayne movie. Beverly enjoyed going with her sister to try their luck at the Riverboat Casinos, but with her family is where she was happiest. She raised three children and was blessed with several grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

Survivors include three sons: Terry (Margo) Oxendine of Verona, Illinois, Tony (Shelley) Cryder of Seneca, Illinois, and Larry Cryder, Jr. (Jessica Juracich) of Chicago, Illinois; eight grandchildren: Justin Cryder (fiancé: Brittany), Mackenzie Cryder, Gage Cryder, Keaton Cryder, Nickole (Derick) Cawley, Dylan (Tayler) Oxendine, Alex Valentine, and Scott Valentine; six great grandchildren: Mia, Isabella, Lila, Griffin, Tatum, and DeeDee; five nieces and nephews: Deanne Sereno, Darcy Herzog, Todd (Rachael) Babcock, Aaron Swanson, and Rachel Harson;  and several cousins.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Tom Bryant, on April 25, 2002; one brother, Ron Swanson, one sister, Lorraine (Verne) Babcock, and one niece, Dawn Baker.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the neighbors and friends that assisted them with Beverly’s care, especially Tina Brookman.

Per Beverly’s wishes, her body has been donated to science for medical study.

The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street, in Morris on Friday, February 28, 2025 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Beverly’s memory to Lightways Hospice.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Beverly’s memorial page via social media.

Memorial services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland, and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Morris (815) 942-2500.