Velma Wanell Bryant

February 6, 1934 – April 4, 2013

Velma Wanell Bryant went to be with her Lord on April 4, 2013 at her home in Bryan at the age of 79 years old. The viewing will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Bedias. Services are set for 11 a.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home with burial following at Martin's Prairie Cemetery.

Velma was born in Mesa, Texas to Locke and Bertha (Jordan) Davis on February 6, 1934. She resided in Iola, until 1998 when she moved to Bryan. At her passing she had lived in Bryan for 15 years.

Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the love of her life, her pride and joy. Velma loved to work with her hands; crocheting, quilting, needle point and gardening. She loved nature. Feeding and watching the wildlife through her kitchen window while having her morning coffee was the highlight of her day and she loved to fish. Cooking was another thing she loved to do.

If someone showed up at her door, which she absolutely loved company, she would have a feast whipped up in no time and she would want you to "get enough" until it felt as if you would have to roll yourself out the door when it was time to leave. Visits with Velma were never long enough for her. Rather you were there 30 minutes or overnight, she'd always ask you "What's your hurry" when it was time to go.

Velma worked hard all her life taking care of others both as a Nurses Aide and in her personal life. She could never turn anyone down that needed a helping hand. She was a kind and loving woman but wouldn't hesitate to tell you exactly what was on her mind. Honest and family were two things that she believed in most. Velma was known by many and forgotten by no one. She was most definitely a wonderful, one of a kind woman, who was very loved by her family.

Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Elbert Jennings Bryant; eldest son, Charles Ray Bryant; sisters, Lela Ellison and Peggy Killough; and brothers, A.J. Davis, Elwood Davis, Fred Davis and Earnest Davis.

Survivors include her daughters, Barabra Ann (Bryant) Sharp, Paula Kay Cuevas and husband, Flavio; son, Phillip Wade Ortega; sisters, Rhumadell Crouch and Noreen Cantu; her brother, James Davis and wife, Rosemary; grandchildren, Sherry Brice and husband Robert, Michael Sharp, Shannon Sharp and wife, Elana, Shandy Ortega, Eric Cuevas and wife, Randi, Ricky Cuevas and Robin Mushinski, Kevin Ortega, Joshua Ortega and wife, Vicky, Lance Ortega and Carmen Cuevas; and 12 great-grandchildren.