Marie Claire Bryant

Marie Bryant, a long time resident of Gulfport and parishioner of St. James Catholic Church, took her spirit and joined the heavenly hosts in rejoicing, leaving her body behind, on the evening of March 28. She is survived by her husband Walter Bryant; five children: Marie A. Collier (August F.), Therese M. Scribner (Robert), Douglas M. Henriques (Giggy), Patricia M. Bond (Rusty), and Thomas J. Henriques (Mary); her sister, Marcelle Ducote; ten granchildren, two great grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, nine step-great grandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces, and friends. Marie was born in New Orleans, LA, where she attended St. Frances Elementary and Sophie B. Wright High School. She moved to the Gulf Coast with her husband, Douglas Henriques, in 1951. After the loss of her husband in 1981 she enrolled at Jefferson Davis Junior College and earned a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She later met Walter Bryant and the two were wed in 1990. Marie was active in St. James Parish as a member of Legion of Mary and the St. Vincent DePaul Society. She worked as a secretary for St. James Elementary School for many years, fondly remembered the teachers and students, and particularly enjoyed knowing and working with all of the nuns. Marie loved anything Irish, never met a stranger, and was a friend to all. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, April 1, 2005 at St. James Catholic Church, 366 Cowan Road, Gulfport. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow immediately after the mass in the parish hall. All who wish to attend to celebrate the life of Marie are welcome. The family would like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to all of Marie's friends who visited and ministered to her, and to the nurses and staff of Gulf Coast Hospice. Your kind considerations are a testimony to true friendship and caring. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Marie Bryant to the St. James Elementary School Endowment Fund, 336 Cowan Road, Gulfport, MS 39507.