Anita Darlene Bryant

December 11, 1953 – November 19, 2022

The Life and Times of the Incomparable Anita D.

Soundtrack of a Soul Sistah

Track I: “A Song for Anita D.”
As I reflect on the soundtrack of my 68 years of melodic highs and soul- stirring lows, I can truly say that I lived each moment out loud, with divine purpose, and an open heart. If you are reading this, you may be my family member, dear friend, classmate, or someone from around the way. To some I may be Anita, to others, Darlene, to a few, just plain old ‘Nita, too. No matter our connection or what you called me, I ask that you take this moment to look back on my well-lived life, as I prepare to “put on God’s robe and tell the story of how I made it over.”

Track II: “A Change Is Gone Come: The Bryant Edition”
When you saw me dressed in my Sunday’s best with the custom hat to match likely blocking your view on the next pew, did you ever wonder how I, Anita Darlene Bryant came to be so bold, intelligent, confident, unapologetically female and black? Well, I can’t take full credit. I got that honestly from my parents, the late Mary Florence Jefferson Bryant and Samuel Bryant, Sr., two sharply dressed powerhouses who taught me to put God first, love my family, sharpen my mind, and take pride in who I was. I was born a fiery Sagittarius (“Sag”) on a cool Friday in Jacksonville, Florida on December 11, 1953, a national holiday if I may say so myself! I was the proud sister of the late Samuel Bryant, Jr. and Donald Earl Bryant, and though the youngest and only girl, you better believe I held my own. Faith and family were fundamental to the foundation of my success and contributed to the fabric of my dynamic womanhood. The melanin in my skin carried a rich and complicated history of what it meant to be Black in America as my childhood was intimately intertwined with the dawn of the Civil Rights Movement. For my people, it had truly been, “a long time coming but we knew a change needed to come.”

Track III: “Say It Loud: School Dayz”
For the Bryant family, that change came in the year 1960 in the form of a different set of palm trees, conch salad, and soul of the 3-0-5. At the age of 7, my family and I relocated to Miami, Florida and moved into the Brownsville community (better known as “Brown Sub”). I understood that my mind was a powerful tool and valued education. Despite the strongholds of the segregated south, I had the privilege of receiving a rich and comprehensive community- based education where I excelled academically. I am a proud graduate of Bethune Elementary, Brownsville Middle, and Miami Northwestern Senior High School’s class of 1971. If you know me, you know that “I’m so glad that I wore blue and gold” as a proud Mighty Bull. While at Northwestern, I was a Senior of Distinction, First Attendant to Miss Northwestern, Debutante, and on the Yearbook Staff, just to name a few of my accomplishments. But I did not rest on those laurels. Shortly after graduation, I set out to pursue my post-secondary education at Texas Southern University, and later matriculated to Florida A & M University, where I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition. I must admit, I was truly “a girl on fire”.

Track IV: “Work It Out: Independent Women Edition”
That fire continued to burn as I relocated back to Miami equipped with a college degree and a desire to take the work force by storm. My first stop was the State of Florida’s (W.I.C.) program, where I assisted new mothers with viable nutritional tools and resources. But it did not end there. Can you believe that my next stop landed me over 100 feet in the air as one of Southern Bell’s (“Bellsouth”) first group of female telephone Pole Climbers! You could find me hoisted to many of Miami’s telephone poles repairing wires and ensuring that customers received optimal service. I have always been unafraid to shatter the glass ceiling, no matter how high the mark. I remained with BellSouth for over 40 years, and rose through the corporate ranks until my retirement as an Assistant Manager on the Business Team. In true Anita fashion, I wore many professional hats, including the title CEO. That’s right, I solidified myself as a premier travel agent with my company “Divas and Divos On-the Go”. I know that many of you readers have shared my love of traveling and joined my exciting adventures on 7-day cruises, Las Vegas strips, or treks through Africa and Jerusalem. I was truly a Renaissance Woman who was deserving of “R-E-S-P-E-C-T”.

Track V: “A Song from Mama”
One of the most important days of my life was January 9, 1978. The date of my greatest accomplishment. It was the day that God blessed my then-husband Harry Smith and I with our son Chauncey. Chauncey was and still remains my heart and soul. And even though at times it was admittedly reflective of the army cadence “hard work” (my nod to Chauncey’s military service), “there was no stopping our love because we were always on the move.” Together, we laughed until our stomach’s hurt, cooked our favorite dishes, and watched Ozark until we couldn’t keep our eyes open. We were truly partners in life and love. And I will love you my dear son beyond this life and into the next. Chauncey also gave me the gifts that kept on giving—my beautiful granddaughters–Nhema, Kamea, and Payton. Do you know something about black girl magic? Because if you don’t, look no further than my grandbabies. I’m truly going to miss our movie dates, cooking your favorite breakfast, providing you with great books, and shopping until we dropped! But I know that you ladies will honor my legacy by working hard, staying true to yourselves, and walking with your heads held high.

Track VI: “You Are God Alone”
When I was even younger than Nhema, Kamea, and Payton, I was introduced to my main source of strength and direction—our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1960, I accepted Him as my personal savior when my family and I joined the historic Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Brownsville under the leadership of the late Reverend J.W. Stepherson. Well into adulthood, I listened to Pastor Stepherson’s soulful voice crack with conviction as he led our congregation in the famed hymn, “I just rose to tell you what the good Lord’s done for me”. And today, as I look back over my life, I can truly say that the Lord has blessed me immensely throughout the years. While at Antioch, I was a proud member of Usher Board #3 and an active and lively participant in the Sunday School Department. I later joined Christ the Rock Community Church under the leadership of Pastor Darrell Owens until my transition. Studying the bible remained my lifelong passion, and you may have found yourself in my living room engaged in an impactful discussion during one of my bible study groups. During my toughest trial, I was reminded that “the battle was not mine, but the Lord’s”. Please know, I am a victor through Christ Jesus who is no longer in pain and free!

Track VII: “Unforgettable”
Dear Reader, when the day is finished and you go back to your lives how will you remember me? Will you remember me as Anita D. with the buzz cut, full lips, and big smile, who was “not her hair, her skin, or your expectations”? Will you remember me as the social butterfly who loved to kick her shoes off and dance? The lover of all genres of music ranging from soul to opera? The connoisseur of fine wines and cuisine? The certified foodie who was not afraid to try anything at least once and who encouraged you to “try it before you say you don’t like it”? Will I be remembered as the master baker with the unmatched chocolate cake? Will you remember me as the coordinator of the Annual Christmas Breakfast? The National Secretary for the Gaines Family Reunion? The avid reader and book club coordinator? Will you remember my card games? My hats? How about my fabulous eyeglass frame collection? My charitable donations? Will you remember me as the proud Social Committee Chair of MNW c/o 71’s countless gatherings? The personal shopper? My epic birthday parties? The Mother? Grandmother? Sister? Auntie? Classmate? Trusted and loyal friend? Will you remember Anita D.?

Track VIII: “Well Done”
May each December 11 th inspire you to remember to wish me, Anita D., a Happy Heavenly Birthday, as I will surely continue to celebrate in heaven in true Sag fashion. May my living “not have been in vain” and “the work that I’ve done speak for me”. I pray that you try your best “not to worry” and to “be happy” in the face of life’s abruptly-changing tempos because life truly is a gift. Although my earthly melody is no more, I took my rightful place in God’s heavenly symphony on November 19, 2022. Know that I, Anita Darlene Bryant, lived life on my terms, loved with my whole heart, and can now proudly adorn God’s heavenly crown of grace.
With eternal Love,

Anita Darlene Bryant

P.S. With heartfelt recognition of those whose lives have impacted the melody of my memory: my only son, Chauncey (Tiffany); my granddaughters, Nhema, Kamea, and Payton; my sister-in-laws, Hazel and Choling (John); my nieces, Tamera (James), Sonya (Elliot), Kimberly, Kendra, and Kiley; my nephew, Michael; my aunt, Betty Edwards; my godson, Terrance (Shawanna) and goddaughter, Brittany; childhood and devoted friends Francina Chestnut and Ruby Jackson; my beloved Gaines Family in Texas, California, and Alabama; I certainly cannot forget my host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, the Miami Northwestern Class of 1971, and my many, many friends.

Memorial Service to be held on Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, with Tributes of a Lifetime Service at 1:30 PM at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024.