Mary Hurtt Bryant passed away peacefully, surrounded by her human and feline family on December 10, 2024, at home in Clinton, MS.  Born in Kemper County, MS on October 24,1941, she was the youngest of ten children of Thomas Everett and Jeneva Joyner Hurtt.

Survivors include son Christopher Bryant and wife Dawn, of Knoxville, TN, and daughter Katrina Bryant, of Clinton, MS.  In addition to her loving children, she is survived by one sister, Doris and husband Charles Wilson; sister-in-law Iva Hurtt; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bruce and Susan Bryant.  She also had several nieces, nephews and cousins in her extended family, all of whom were held as near and dear in her heart.  Her roommate from Clarke College, Catherine Palmer Hudson,  remained a dear and beloved friend for over sixty years.  Meme took special pride in being the godmother to Jason Slaughter and Karra Slaughter Lee, for whom she had immense love and fondness.

In Mary's life, there was no greater joy than being the mother of her two children.  Though tiny in stature, she was fierce of determination.  She often worked multiple jobs as she raised her children in Covington, Virginia.  She was an elementary school teacher, Roanoke Times paper deliverer, hostess at Oliver's Restaurant and wallpaper hanger.  An educator for forty years, Mary taught in Virginia, Mississippi, Texas and Japan.  In 2002, she retired from Alleghany Highlands School System in Covington, VA after teaching there for twenty-seven years.  Upon retirement, she became a tireless animal advocate.  She established Mollie's Mission, to provide medical funding for felines in need of medical care.  Her compassion for animals led her to rescue, foster and nurture countless felines who were in need of care and food.  She was an angel to many furry beings.  Ethan Baxter was her last rescue, and he was faithfully with her as she earned her angel wings.

The family would like to express gratitude to three special angels who were essential providers of comfort and care during the last three years.  Lillie Richardson and Addean Sampson lovingly provided the utmost of care, treating Ms. Mary with tenderness.  They helped provide comfort, calm and peace as she battled the effects of dementia.  Tamika Hamberlin, her Baptist Hospice Nurse, helped provide immeasurable care, comfort and guidance during the last eight months.

There will be no formal memorial service for Mary.  However, she was one of many whose life was celebrated in a candlelight remembrance service at First Baptist Church, Clinton, MS on Sunday, December 15th.

Mary's children have asked that in remembrance of her, extend compassion to animals in need.  Offer food, warmth and love to the unfortunate stray you might see looking for gentle understanding.   If you would like to make a donation, please consider Rockbridge County SPCA, Lexington, VA or AARF of Winston-Salem, NC.

Though not physically here with us any longer, her light will shine on in our hearts and our memories.