Lenolia K. Bryant

Lenolia "Kitty" Keith Bryant, born on December 29, 1930, in Hartsville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully, on November 21, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication. She was the cherished daughter of the late Eddie Keith, Sr. and Ruth Barnes Keith James and stepdaughter of the late Leo James, and the sister of the Late Eddie Keith, Jr. She was married to the late Master Sergeant Daniel W. Bryant, USA, Retired.

Kitty, as she was affectionately known, was a beacon of warmth and kindness to all who knew her. She graduated high school late due to an injury to her foot. She was a proud graduate of The Wilson High School Class of 1951 and crowned Miss Homecoming 1951. She graduated from Claflin College (University) with a degree in education and was crowned Miss Claflin 1954. She began her career teaching in York County School District, SC before moving to Harrisburg, PA School District. Kitty was born to teach young children. Her gift and passion was recognized when she was named as the 1973 Teacher of the Year for Harrisburg School District. 

Kitty loved life, but make no mistake, she loved the Lord and her church, Cumberland United Methodist Church. She joined Cumberland as a child and when she returned home, she returned to her family's church and began to work. She was actively involved in several ministries, including, the Nursery School, Bereavement, Food Bank, Soup Kitchen, Usher, Praise Dance, and United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women).

Her life was also marked by her unwavering love and commitment to her high school alma mater, Wilson High School. Kitty was very active in the Wilson High School Alumni Association, Florence Chapter. She was inducted into the Wilson High School Hall of Fame in 2017. Kitty looked forward to every alumni event. Once each event was over, she was getting her outfit ready for the next one.

 Additionally, Kitty was a faithful member of The Claflin University Florence Alumni Chapter. She was also a devoted member of The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the Conference of Black Basic Education (COBBE). 

Kitty was preceded in death by Her Father, Her Husband, Stepfather, Brother, and Mother.

She has a host of dear friends and organizations that will miss her dearly; Helen Sims, Ruth Carson, Vikki and Lois Morris, Peggy Farmer, Charlene Lowery, Elder Robert Mitchell, Ronald (Mary) Lloyd, Wilson High School Alumni Association Florence Chapter, and Cumberland United Methodist Church Family.

She is survived by her loving family, who will continue to honor her memory: her special son, James (Rosa) Nyce of Harrisburg, PA; a special niece, Chaplain, Colonel Regina Samuel, USAF, Retired of Florence, SC; nephews, Lt. Colonel Montague (Sarah) Samuel, USAF, Retired of Shreveport, LA; Eddie (Julie) Keith of Steelton, PA; Ward (Marilyn) Keith of Irmo, SC; nieces Yolanda (Rudy) Grisby of Orangeburg, SC; Zondra Samuel of Florence, SC; and Lorretta Keith of Fayetteville, GA; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several special cousins, and a host of other cousins, relatives, and friend

In lieu of flowers, please make donation to Cumberland United Methodist Church Miracle Campaign, 163 S. Coit Street, Florence, SC 29501