Obituary: Thelma Jacqueline Harned Bryant, 104, formerly of Boston

Thlema Jacqueline Harned Bryant, 104, formerly of Boston, died Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, at her son’s home in Clearwater, Fla. She was born in Nelson County at a farm home on Wilson Creek near the community of Boston on Oct. 31, 1909. She attended school at “Little Brick,” Boston Elementary, and Boston High School. She was athletic and played championship girls’ basketball. After high school, she graduated from Spencerian Business College in Louisville. She married Walter Earl Bryant, her rural mail carrier, in 1933. He became a Baptist minister and she worked hand in hand along with him as a pastor’s wife until his death in 1980. They served church congregations at Bardstown Junction, Cox’s Creek, Cartersville, Ga., Columbus, Ga., and finally King’s Baptist at Mount Washington.

After their retirement in 1975, they moved to a home near Boston on land owned by her mother’s family since 1808. They continued their ministry following retirement with interim pastorates at First Cedar Creek Baptist Church, Mill Creek Baptist Church and again at Cox’s Creek Baptist Church. For 20 years following her husband’s death, she continued to enjoy life at Boston, involving herself in the community and with the many friends made there over her life. She especially enjoyed living in her home on the historic family land. She continued to be involved in church activities,being a member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church at Boston until her death.

For the last 15 years of her life, she spent increasing amounts of time in Clearwater, Fla., with her son and daughter-in-law while continuing to enjoy time at her home in Boston. She was an avid and lifelong University of Kentucky basketball fan. Her epitaph will read: “Go Cats!”

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Willard Alexander and Margaret Ellen Barnes Harned; and two brothers, Edgar Harned and W.A., Hardned, Jr.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Marilyn Bryant, both of Florida; one grandson, D. Michael Bryant of Florida; two great-grandsons, Shawn Bryant and Benjamin Bryant, both of Florida; and one great-great-granddaughter, Elayna Bryant of Florida; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

The funeral is 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Boston.

Visitation is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at the Kappel Funeral Home in Boston.

The Kappel Funeral Home in Boston is in charge of arrangements.

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