Obituary of Mary Alice Bryant

Columbia - Mary Alice Bryant - A graveside service for Mary Alice Bryant, 81, of Columbia will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Woodridge Memorial Park, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, SC 29072. Her grandson, Reverend Kenny Gray will officiate. The family will greet friends Saturday, February 7, 2015 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Woodridge Funeral Home of Lexington, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, SC, 29072. Mrs. Bryant passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2015. Born in Columbia, she was a daughter of the late Thomas L. and Mattie Blalock Derrick. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and "Nanny" who will be dearly missed. Mary Alice was an avid gardener. There wasn't anything that she could not grow. One of her favorite things was the rose bush given to her by her late sister, Evelyn. She was so very proud of each rose that appeared. She had a wheel barrow filled with flowers that was constantly changing with each season. Her trees were just as important, and usually held a bird house or feeder for all the birds to enjoy. And, of course, the squirrels enjoyed their share also. Mary Alice loved to cook for her family. Each of her girls had their favorites and when it came time to cooking something in particular, if one didn't like any of the ingredients, she would make a special one just for that daughter. Her fried chicken and homemade biscuits were among the best. No one turned down a Sunday dinner that featured this meal. In fact, no one was late, either. Mary Alice was a stay-at-home Mom until all of her girls were out on their own. Once the nest was empty, she went to work for Providence Hospital. She worked in the Food Service Department for 25 years. This allowed her daughters, granddaughters, and grandsons a luxury too hard to resist. On any Saturday or Sunday, she never knew just how many of her children and grandchildren were going to show up for a meal. Everyone was always excited to get their own tray and go through the line, just for Mom or Nanny to ring them up. And, of course, we were all met with a smile as she said, "go ahead, I've got this!" In between waiting on other customers, she would come to our table to see if we needed anything else. We knew we would always not only get a good meal, but be greeted by the biggest smile on her face. It brought so much joy to all of us to spend this time together. When Mary Alice retired from Providence, it was not long before she was right back at work. She went to work for the Ole Timey Meat Market that was started by her late brother, Boyd. She served as their cashier, but, was always up doing anything else she thought needed attention. You could find her at the register, or outside sweeping the sidewalks. She loved being a part of her family's business and they loved having her there. When Mary Alice was not at work, she found herself back at Providence Hospital doing volunteer work in their gift shop. Mary Alice doted on her grandchildren. From birthday parties to holidays to just about anything they asked of her, she was ready and willing to be there for all of them. When her first great-grandson was born, they immediately had a special connection. Noah made his Nanny smile each time he visited her. His smile is contagious and Nanny looked forward to seeing that. Noah knew his Nanny, and Nanny certainly knew her great-grandson. For all of you who had the privilege of meeting Mary Alice, you fell in love with a caring, kind, and compassionate woman. She loved the Lord with all her heart. She is now rejoicing in her eternal home. And, your life is richer now to have known her. Mary Alice is survived by her three daughters, Louise Parker of Myrtle Beach, Karen Stoudenmire (Art) of Columbia, DeLena Stewart (Steve) of Lexington; 5 grandchildren, Stephanie (Bobby), Mark (Kendall), Jessica, Mary (Kenny), Bryant; 2 great-grandchildren, Noah and Jill. She is also survived by a large and loving extended family. In addition to her parents, Mary Alice was predeceased by her loving husband of 57 years, Tommie Cain Bryant; brothers, William John Derrick, Robert Jennings Derrick, Boyd Eugene Derrick, Thomas Lionel Derrick, Jr., and sister, Evelyn Derrick Robb. The family would like to thank the staff of NHC, Lexington, for their attentive care of Mrs. Bryant. Memorials may be made to the Foundation of Geriatric Education, 2993 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, SC 29169 in memory of Mary Alice Bryant.