Virginia Ann Bryant

October 6, 1942 – November 17, 2025

All of those who knew her or briefly interacted with her, were met and showered with non-judgmental compassion and love. Earthly possessions were not her priority -- family, friends and her patients were.

Known lovingly as Nanny, she was a woman whose compassion shaped every life she touched. She lived with unconditional love that reflected the truest promise of scripture “love is patient”. Her quiet strength, her warmth, and her unwavering kindness were steady gifts to her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Born to Virgil Ray and Gladys Lucille (Sairls) Newell, she was a lifelong resident of Jonesboro. She learned how to work hard alongside her parents and siblings on a cotton farm east of Jonesboro. She attended Nettleton High School as part of the class of 1960. She enjoyed keeping up with classmates throughout the years.

She was a faithful member of Nettleton Baptist Church. While able, she lived her faith in action. She poured her heart into Celebrate Recovery, offering hope and encouragement to those seeking a new path. She also served in the van ministry. She made sure others could experience the same love, community and worship that meant so much to her.

She married James Lloyd Bryant at the age of 16 and started a family 3 years later. In 1973, they divorced and she began raising 3 children as a single mom in the 1970s. Culturally, there was little support for a single mom with 3 young kids, so she worked hard and leaned on family for help.

She worked as a nurse’s aid at St. Bernards in the early 70s and 80s. She was an example of being loyal and committed to working hard. After raising her children, she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing and continued her career as an RN at St. Bernards until her retirement in the late 90s.

She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law, Alvie Bernice (Cheshier) Bryant, brother, Bill Newell, sister, Virgie Dunnam, special niece, Debbie Bice, nephew, Brian Jones, and granddaughter, Shelby Bryant.

She is survived by her son, Jim Bryant (Deanna), daughters, Lisa Sangster (Bryon) and Lori Clements (Bill Gramling), grandchildren, Chris Davis, Max Clements, Abigail Bryant and Jordeyn Sangster, great-grandson, Jagger Clements, brother, Dub Newell (Phyllis) all of Jonesboro, sister-in-law Bernice Newell of Pocahontas, as well as many beloved extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 9:30-10:30AM at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro. The graveside service will follow the visitation at Nettleton Cemetery at 11:00AM.

The family asks that those wanting to leave lasting memorials consider Good Tidings NEA (formerly Goodfellows).

GTNEA.org or POB 2415, Jonesboro, AR 72402.