Monzella Roberts (Richardson) Bryant

Mrs. Monzella Roberts Richardson Bryant transitioned into a place where there is no more sickness and pain; no more crying and no more worrying as she answered God’s call to her heavenly home on Saturday, March 21, 2020. She was 92 years of age. She was born to the late Jackson and Estella Roberts, Sr. on October 9, 1927. She was the third child of four children; two of whom preceded her in death, a brother, Jackson Roberts, Jr., and a sister, Georgia Roberts Coleman. Having lost both parents at a young age, she and her siblings were raised by their paternal grandmother, Eula Roberts.

She was married to the late Earnest Richardson, and they were the parents of six children; two of whom preceded her in death, Jesse Lee Richardson and Andrew Lee Richardson. Later in life she meet and married Willie F. Bryant and became the proud and loving mother to his daughter, Minnie.

She was educated in the Dougherty County School System. With her God-given talent, she became a seamstress. She was a domestic worker for many years until she retired. She loved to play the piano for her own pleasure and enjoyment. She also loved and enjoyed cooking and loved to share it with others especially on holidays and special occasions. Her specialties were dressing and cakes; and on all special holidays as the family gathered at her house, the grandchildren gushed and wooed, hugging and kissing her and thanking her for cooking. She looked forward to each gathering; and although she cooked the meal, she was the special guest. She loved every minute of it just as much as the family.

Monzella was a vibrant, humorous and strong 92 year old who ran circles around her girls as she boasted about how they took such good care of her. She was friendly with a quiet spirit; yet, she was a very affectionate, honest person that truly believed in family. She was the shepherd that kept the family together. She truly loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and cherished them all. She knew that she was special to them and that they loved and respected her above everyone else.

She was a woman of faith with a strong belief in God that never weaved. She told the story many times about her being baptized and how she was so anxious and excited to go down in the water that she wanted to jump in before they got to her. She was so proud to be one of God’s saints. She joined Ephesus Baptist Church as a young child where she sang in the choir for many years and loved to be involved in all church activities. Later in life she became a member of St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church of Lee County where she served faithfully and untiringly on several auxiliary and ministry boards until her death. Being so involved she was taught to always love God, church and pastor as well as your sisters and brothers and to be real about everything you do. She loved her church pastor, Rev. H. C. Wilson, his family and church brothers and sisters. They were so special to her that she considered them family. She served as church mother, church clerk, Sunday School teacher, Senior Missionary Ministry treasurer and president of the Department of Christian Education.

Monzella was a very active and devoted member of the Gum Creek Baptist Association where she served as secretary of the Women’s Department for over 25 years. She was also president of the Women’s Department of the 5th District Union Meeting for the Gum Creek Baptist Association for many years.

She leaves to cherish her memories, five loving and devoted daughters, Earnestine Adams, Estella Wright, Loraine Jackson, Gwen Dollarson (Erwin) and Minnie Bryant; 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 8 great, great, grandchildren; one beloved sister, Oretha Edwards; two daughters-in-law, MaryAnn Richardson and Roslyn Richardson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. The shepherd of the family has gone from labor to her heavenly reward and will be sorely missed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Monzella Roberts (Richardson) Bryant, please visit our floral store.