Frances Bryant Obituary

Frances Barrie (Hickey) Bryant, 80, of Avon, was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great- grandmother, and friend entered eternal rest September 14, 2024, in Avon, IN. She was born January 1, 1944, in Baltimore, MD, daughter of Francis and Kathryn Hickey.
Barrie and her older sister, Mary Patricia Kaspar Smith, were the source of pure joy in their parents' life. Barrie grew up in Baltimore. In 1967 Barrie married the boy who lived down the street, Homer W. Bryant. Homer was in the Navy, and Barrie embraced her role as a Navy wife, first moving to Honolulu, HI, where they welcomed their first child, Paul Christian in 1968. Later while stationed in Virginia Beach, VA they welcomed Laura Revere in 1970. The next move was to Charleston, SC and their third child, Kathryn Carrie was welcomed in 1971. Barrie would call North Charleston home for the next 36 years. Sadly, Homer and Barrie divorced in 2003, but eventually came to enjoy a mutual friendship that lasted until her passing.
Barrie was a stay-at-home mom and served in various roles in her children's schools. She was president of the PTA, a den mother for the Boy Scouts, and worked as a substitute teacher. Barrie was always ready to get involved, volunteer, and tackle projects. When the children were older, she occasionally worked part-time if the need arose. She enjoyed her experiences in the part-time positions, because it allowed her the joy of meeting new people. However, her favorite job was being a Mom, until she had grandchildren.
Barrie relished the close relationships with her five grandsons; Turner Edwards (1996), Cooper Edwards (1998), Grady Bryant (2001), Logan Edwards (2004), and Wade Edwards (2005). After Barrie's daughter Carrie relocated to the Midwest with her husband, Harold, Barrie eventually followed them to Carmel, IN. She was such an important part of her grandsons' daily lives. She also moved for a short time to live with her son, Chris and his family in Virginia Beach to be close to Grady. Barrie was extremely generous with her time and loved nothing more than being with "her boys". Her heart became full when William Marshal Edwards, her first great-grandson, was born in March 2022.
Friendship was also very important to Barrie. She was fortunate enough to have wonderful relationships spanning decades. Barrie enjoyed creating a home and took pride in her motto "bloom where planted". She loved working in the yard and taking care of the garden and held the unpopular belief that pulling weeds was therapeutic. She loved the beach and spent as much time there as possible, with her three children and their friends in tow.
Barrie was a voracious reader, a trait she and Homer passed onto their children. Barrie loved feeding the birds and working on puzzles. For the last nine years, Barrie enjoyed living with her daughter, Laura in Plainfield, IN, where she led a very comfortable life, watching movies, shopping the occasional church bizarre and snuggling with her cats.
Barrie was a child of God. Her faith was very important to her. She loved learning about the Lord and reading her Bible. Whatever town she lived in, she would join a church and volunteer her time and talents. She was a wonderful example for her grandchildren, being content no matter her circumstances.
Survivors include her children, Chris (Lisa) Bryant, Laura Revere, and Carrie (Harold) Edwards; grandsons, Turner (Sara) Edwards, Cooper Edwards, Grady Bryant, Logan Edwards, and Wade Edwards; great-grandson, William Marshal Edwards; and sister, Patsy Kaspar Smith.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place September 28, 2024, at 3 pm in Trinity Baptist Church Westfield, where visitation will begin one hour prior to service at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Frances Barrie Bryant, please consider a contribution to your local humane society.
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.
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