Mollie Eva Bryant

Mollie Eva Bryant

Obituary

“…and the time has come for my departure

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:6-7

It is with both a sad countenance yet a grateful heart, we announce that God has called HIS daughter, Mollie Eva Bryant home to Glory. A true matriarch of our family, who held many terms of endearment as our beloved sister, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend entered her rest on May 4th, 2021. Mollie Eva Bryant, affectionately known as Nana by her family was born January 22nd, 1934 in Omaha, Nebraska. She was the precious baby girl of the late Ernestine and Oscar S. Redden, Sr.

At age 10 she became a member of Clair Memorial United Methodist Church; due to the persistent encouragement of First Lady Gladys Streeter. Mrs. Streeter persuaded her by offering a number of key roles in the church she had set aside for “Little Mollie”, as she lovingly referred to her. Mollie remained an active member for seventy-seven years until her health would not allow. 

A successful student, Mollie was educated in Omaha’s Public school system and graduated from Tech High School. Having a thorough understanding of the value and importance of hard work, she worked at Younkers department store for many years, all while serving in her community. Equipped with a true servant’s heart, she often volunteered to lend a helping hand with her children and grandchildren’s activities.

In 1954, Charles Immanuel Bryant met Mollie Eva Redden at the Dreamland Ballroom in Omaha, Nebraska. Destined for matrimony, the two wed on December 3rd, 1955, after a brief courtship of only three months. Charles who was often referred to as “Bruzzy” was the love of her life for 49 years until his death in 2004. From this union, they were blessed with five amazing children: Charles Jr., Robert, Clinton, Parnell and Sondra.

Mollie and “Bruzzy” were diehard Nebraska Cornhuskers fans; so much in fact that they have been season ticket holders since 1955. Mollie was a sports enthusiast and loved watching college basketball and football games. You could always find her cheering for her favorite NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers or whatever team her grandson, Brandin Bryant was playing on. She also enjoyed having healthy discussions on game day with family members about the Steelers and any opposing team that was playing against Brandin.

One of her most memorable and proudest moments was when her husband “Bruzzy” was inducted into the Nebraska University Hall of Fame in 1987. A true crowning achievement that Mollie and the entire family were extremely proud of; and remain so to this day.

Mollie traveled extensively throughout the United States with her children and grandchildren for leisure and to attend their many events from births, marriages, graduations and other family gatherings. Even at sporting events, she often made her supportive presence known. There was no question that she was her family’s number one fan by shouting among the crowd “that’s my son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter!”

Due to her charming persuasiveness and strong work ethic, she once won a trip to Hawaii after earning the top sales person while working at Younkers Department Store. Although, she often stated that her most memorable trip was to Jamaica with her girlfriends.

But her knack for selling did not stop at work. These unique sales skills earned seven of her relatives, including her daughter and niece the top sales award and honor of being crowned the Links’ “Miss Cotillion” winner.

Mollie was preceded in death by her parents, Ernestine and Oscar S. Redden, Sr. and husband, Charles Immanuel “Bruzzy” Bryant. To her legacy, she leaves with cherished memories two brothers, Oscar Jr. and James “Jimmy” of Nebraska; five children, Charles Jr. of Texas, Parnell of North Carolina, and Robert (Tina), Clinton (Karen) and Sondra (Antonio) all of Georgia; four grandsons, Brandin, Clinton II, Clayton and Carlton; three granddaughters, Robin, Alexandra and Arianna; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends.

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