Marilyn Bryant
March 4, 1933 – April 27, 2022
A service to celebrate Marilyn’s life and faith will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. at Gull Lake United Methodist Church, 8640 Gull Rd., Richland. Friends may call on the family beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the church, or after the service at a reception to be held at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Compassus Hospice or Gull Lake United Methodist Church, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 89, following 18-months of medical complications Marilyn fell asleep and awoke in heaven on April 27, 2022. Marilyn was born in Rockford, MI, on March 4, 1933, the daughter of The Reverend Park and Frances (Clark) Newcombe. On November 10, 1960, she married Carl Bryant, who survives her. Marilyn was a very proud graduate of the Bronson School of Nursing, Class of 1954, where she created friendships that have lasted to this day. She loved nature and was an avid birdfeeder, making sure that each species that she could identify had their preferred seed. Cardinals were her favorite. Marilyn was a regular volunteer with the Red Cross Blood Drives and with local churches and community centers. Marilyn was loved and admired by all of her children and grandchildren, who she faithfully remembered every year on every occasion. Each card was appropriately signed, and stickers were a hallmark of her card-sending routine. She was a woman of who loved to socialize and demonstrated her love through acts of generosity, understanding, tolerance, inclusion and love to everyone. And that is how anyone who knew her, will remember her. Besides her husband, she is survived by her sons, Charlie (Heidi) Bryant of Richland, and Wade Bryant of Anchorage, AK; grandchildren, Kelly Long of Whitehouse, OH, Erica (Jody) Smith of Atlanta, GA, Eric (Ashley) Wines of Plainwell, Jessica (Preston) Curry of Leonardtown, MD, Ksenia Bryant of Anchorage, AK; several great-grandchildren scattered all over the United States; several nieces and nephews; and countless friend. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and a sister.
Our beautiful Aunt Marilyn was a kind and wonderful lady that always had us smiling. She and our mother were so very close, and when we were children we used to think they looked so much alike. I remember crying once as a child and running into her arms–thinking she was my mom!! She just held me tight until the tears stopped. Her handwritten cards and letters were always treasured and appreciated. Heaven has truly gained a very special angel, and we know she is celebrating with her entire immediate family. We loved you SO VERY much, Aunt Marilyn. Our hearts are with Uncle Carl, Charlie and Heidi, Wade and all of her grands. Fly high, dear aunt.
Marilyn’s older sister, Barbara, named me after her. I was always proud to share her name because it tied me to one of the most loving, caring, thoughtful people I know. Marilyn and I shared one thing in common….tears. We cried when we first saw each other and cried when we said goodbye. But between those moments we shared lots of laughter and joy. She was one of a kind and will be truly missed. I have peace knowing she is with her family in heaven. I am sure there will be tears, once again, when we see each other for the first time, but never having to say goodbye. Rest in peace Aunt Marilyn. I love you.
I haven’t seen my Aunt Marilyn very often since moving away from Michigan in 1973, but I have fond memories of her hosting holiday reunions and playing with my cousins at her house in my early years. Ever since then, I have always looked forward to her “Happy New Year” letter which she sent every year, including a thoughtful handwritten note to ask about my family, life events, and our New England weather. I’ll always remember the one time she made a trip to New Hampshire with my mother, her very best friend in life. It was about 1997, and I had so much fun touring the state with the two of them giggling and sharing so many stories about their girlhood days. She was a thoughtful, kind, and generous lady, and she will be missed by so many. Rest in peace, Aunt Marilyn.
I remember meeting both Carl and Marilyn at the old Comstck United Methodist church back in the day then years later run into them both at Gull Lake. Good person. Will be missed Rest in peace, Marilyn. Tim Stamm
Marilyn was such a special lady. Growing up as neighbors and best friends with Wade, Charlie, Marilyn and Carl were my second family. Life would not have been the same without having “The Bryant’s” by our side. So many wonderful memories of our parents being best friends and fun filled Saturday nights hanging out together. My heart and love go out to all of you. You all hold a special place in my heart. I will always remember. Hugs and prayers, Love, Laura (Hyder) LaBonne