Virginia Anne Bryant

Virginia Anne (Carper) Bryant, age 86, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2024, after a prolonged illness. Her years were marked with compassion, grace, and unwavering loyalty to those she loved. 

She was born in Topeka, Kansas, on January 30, 1938. Later, she moved to Arizona in 1999. Living closer to her children and grandchildren was what she always longed to do. Time with family was what she cherished most. She is survived by her children Dana Bryant, Sherry Dillard, Jerry Bryant, and Vadeth Robbins and their spouses; 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Paul Dean Bryant, and their son, Paul Dean Bryant Jr. 

While raising five children she was an upstanding member of the community and an outstanding matriarch in her family. Her passion was early education for children in the Head Start Program. Virginia attended Emporia State University, where she received her teaching certificate. As an entrepreneur, she valued investing unconditional love within the childcare community. Opening Tender Loving Care daycare centers, was how she brought her dream to life. This program provided resources such as food, clothing, and outreach to parents. After starting the program, she began her career with the Topeka Unified School District, where she taught for 18 years. She specialized in caring for children with special needs. Facing many challenges, she continued to inspire and uplift all of her students. Virginia was a steadfast activist who engaged in the fight for equal rights in her community. 

Virginia was everyone's favorite party host. Her family gatherings created moments we all won't soon forget. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew how special and loved they were by her. She was the neighborhood "mom," and everyone that knew her continues to address her as such. Her door was always open, many kids stayed until their parents were home from work. Many days, people would stay late sharing trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Super Bowl festivities were her specialty. She served delicious wild-game dinners with all the trimmings. Everyone who showed up left better than they came. 

Her spirit will remain alive within all of us. Let us carry her passion for kindness and understanding. Her memory will be a light that shines in our hearts forever.

Funeral Services

Location: Praise and Worship CenterDate: Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 11:00 AMAddress: 2551 N. Arizona Ave., Unit 3, Chandler, AZ

Following the service, please join us for lunch and a toast in celebration of her life.

Burial Services

Location: National Memorial Cemetery of ArizonaDate: Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 10:00 AMAddress: 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024

If you are unable to attend in person, the funeral service will be streamed live on October 8 at 11 AM PST. Visit www.praiseandworshipcenter.net and click the button to stream on Facebook.