Isabella "Bella" Bryant

Isabella “Bella” Smith Bryant transitioned from this earthly shore on December 7, 2022, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She was born on November 12, 1942, in Hampton, South Carolina to the late Mr. Willie Joe Smith and Lenora Smith.

She joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church at an early age and continued her spiritual growth and service throughout her life.  She loved Mt. Olive Baptist Church so much that she served in various capacities including Secretary, Missionary, and Sunday School Leader. She would often lead the choir, even if she was the only one singing 😊. Educated in the public schools of Hampton County, Isabella graduated from North District Training School in 1962.  There she was a beloved student who was admired and respected by her classmates and teachers. She often spearheaded most of their Class Reunions and gatherings.  Not long after graduation, she met and fell in love with Leon Bryant, Jr.  From this union, two beautiful children were born.

Throughout her career, Isabella’s desire for service spanned several positions where she not only served others, but she did it with a certain style and grace that could never be matched.  She began her life of service working for Smoaks Middle School.  From there, she dedicated most of her time working with the Lowcountry Action Agency where she focused on youth development and jobs.  She was an integral part of that team until she answered another call working for the SC Department of Corrections.  From there, she retired and rededicated her time to serving Mt Olive Baptist Church and became of member of the Sons and Daughters of Job Pioneer Lodge #154, Hampton, South Carolina.

Isabella loved to have a great time with friends and family.  Her love of music was more than evident during those times.  Music served as the backdrop of her life.  She had many favorites from Motown and beyond.  Family was a huge part of Isabella’s life.  She really loved her family and always enjoyed the times they shared. 

Preceding her in death, along with her parents, were two siblings: Charles “Bubba” Smith and Willie Mae “Butchie” Stephens and her husband, Leon “Pete” Bryant, Jr.

Left to mourn, and cherish her memory are: two children, Leon (Sonya) Bryant, III of Rincon, Georgia, and Felicia “Andrea” Bryant (Marc) Houston of Charlotte, North Carolina; five grandchildren, Noel Bryant and Nadia Bryant of Rincon, Georgia and Cameron Bryant-Saxon, Marc Houston, II and Kayla Houston of Charlotte, North Carolina; siblings, JoAnn Grant, Savannah, Georgia, Marva Neal (Leon) Harvey of Florence, South Carolina, Nathaniel (Patsy) Smith, Hampton, South Carolina, Maxine(Frankie) Glover, Warner Robins, Georgia and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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