WOODLAND – Mary Frances Gray Bryant, 71, of Woodland died Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She had been preceded in death by her parents, Mary Holland and Robert Clifton Gray; and a sister, Joyce Gray Lee.

A native of Tarboro, she was wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who cherished her family and friends. She loved people; they were important to her and she treasured their friendship and times spent together.  She loved her church, Potecasi Baptist Church, and her church family and served on the Social Committee and Flower Committee.  She also enjoyed nature through watching birds and working with flowers.

Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Aubrey Bryant Sr. of their home; three children, Patricia Bryant Hodges and husband, Gattis, of Woodland, Aubrey R. (Randy) Bryant Jr. and his wife, Patricia Byrum, of Potecasi, and Darryl Bryant of Bailey; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a brother, Robert Gray of Rocky Mount; and many nieces, nephews and cousins who she loved dearly.

The family received friends at Bridgers Funeral Home, Inc. in Conway on Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and a funeral service for her will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2011 in Potecasi Baptist Church with the Rev. Travis Henderson and the Rev. Gerald Reeves presiding.  Burial will follow in Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Rich Square.

The family has requested that anyone wishing to share a memorial gift, please do so to University Health Systems Hospice Care, P. O. Box 272, Ahoskie, NC  27910.