By Kaitlin Hoskins, News Editor
Dr. Barbara Harp Bryant, an educator, civic leader, publisher and former owner of The Messenger died Friday, March 20, at the age of 85, surrounded by her family.
Visitation and funeral services were held Tuesday, March 24, at Collier-Butler Funeral Home, followed by burial at Rainbow Memorial Gardens.
Born Dec. 4, 1940, in Gadsden, Bryant built a life defined by service, scholarship and a deep commitment to the community she loved.
A lifelong educator
A 1959 graduate of Glencoe High School, Bryant earned her bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University in 1963 and 1964, her master’s degree from the University of Alabama in 1965 and her doctorate in 1971. She completed additional graduate and strategic training in Birmingham, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.
She began her teaching career at Hokes Bluff High School from 1963 to 1965, where among her early students were future Etowah County leaders such as Probate Judge Bobby Junkins and Sheriff James Hayes.
In 1965, she joined the newly founded Gadsden State Community College before the campus even had permanent buildings. She became one of its first instructors. Over her 24-year tenure, she served as an instructor, head of nursing and home economics, director of community services and, ultimately, director of institutional research and federal programs.
Her work helped establish programs that continue to serve the region today, including senior citizens nutrition sites, Meals on Wheels, Dial-A-Ride, the Flight Program, the Department of Religion, the Women’s Program and others.
Political and publishing impact
Beyond education, Bryant’s influence stretched into Alabama’s political sphere. From 1980 to 2004, she served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and represented Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District on the State Democratic Executive Committee from 1982 to 1998. She published “The Democratic Party Cookbook,” “The Democratic Newsletter,” “Back Around the Table” and numerous other newsletters.
Bryant was also a small-business owner involved in real estate, consulting, digital archiving and fire equipment sales. In Etowah County, she may be most widely remembered for her work in local journalism.
A life centered on family
To many, she was not just Dr. Bryant. She was “Grandmommie,” a name she cherished above all her academic and professional titles, according to her family members. She enjoyed time at the beach and on cruises during warm months, and the mountains in the fall and winter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmie B. and Juanita Sizemore Harp; her husband of 58 years, Bob “BearTracks” Bryant; siblings Charlotte Harp Lankford and Mickey Harp; brother-in-law Bobby Roach; nephew Jimmie G. Harp; and her longtime friend and business partner, Buford L. Copeland.
She is survived by her children, Bobby Gene Bryant II (Karen) of Gulf Breeze, Florida, and Beverly Bryant Colvin (Jeff) of Rainbow City; grandchildren Bobby G. Bryant III, Elizabeth Colvin Bohannon (Lee), Patrick Bryant (Toni), Jeffery Colvin (Bree), Laura Colvin Stargell (Justin) and Bryan Colvin; and great-grandchildren Abby, Adelyn, Logan, Annie, Lincoln, London, Palmer, Kenley, Trace, Ayden, Emma and Teddy.
She is also survived by siblings Jimmie (Jeanne) Harp, Dennis (Nancy) Harp, DeLores Roach, Debroah (David) Gibbs and Terry (Laura) Harp; brother-in-law Ladale Lankford; and an extended family of nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to mention by name.
The family extends its gratitude to Gentiva Hospice, especially Jada Morgan and Jennifer, as well as Coosa Family Care, CenterWell, Jill Walker, Jodi Boone, Helen Allred, Kristy Anne and the many friends and relatives who visited during her final days.
