Helen Gladys Bryant

Helen Gladys Yarn Bryant, the first daughter of the late Ruth and Henry Yarn, was born March 2, 1929 in Johnston County. She peacefully departed this life of natural causes on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Brian Center Southpoint in Durham, NC at the age of 92. Raised in Smithfield, NC she spent most of her life in Johnston County. She attended Short Journey Elementary School in Johnston County. In 1947 she received her high school diploma from Johnston County Training School in Smithfield. At a young age she joined Johnston Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. She was a member of the Missionary Board, and an active member of the church choir until her illness. After nearly 25 years of service, in 1980 Helen retired from Fieldcrest Mills in Smithfield. Despite, her professing a dislike for flying, she became somewhat of a world traveler by visiting many parts of the US and prominent countries in Europe. Helen had an outgoing personality, she easily made friends and hosted many family gatherings. She could be feisty, but also kind and caring. You always knew where she was coming from. Being there for her family was her greatest joy and this was mostly how she enjoyed her time. She was especially famous for her cakes, fried chicken and sweet, sweet ice tea. Mother Helen leaves the family with many loving and precious memories. Surviving are her children Jerry (Delores) Yarn of Durham NC, Pamela Yarn of Cary, NC, Alfred E. (Bridgett) Bryant of Clayton, NC, Gwendolyn (Handy L.) Yates of Greensboro, NC, Brenda Bryant of Yorktown, VA, Loretta Bryant Yourse of Smithfield, NC, Richard Bryant of Fayetteville, NC, one sister Jewel Hooks of Smithfield, NC; 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband, Alfred Otis Bryant of 68 years, loving daughter Jacqueline D. Bryant Sanders; sister Maggie E. Yarn Burns; brothers Jerome Yarn, John H. Yarn, and Joe R. Yarn; and grandson, Alfred E. Bryant, III.


Viewing:
January 03, 2022
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sanders Funeral Home Chapel
806 E Market St
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-8416

Visitation:
January 04, 2022
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Johnston Chapel Freewill Baptist Church
6147 Raleigh Road
Benson, NC 27504
(919)934-4777

Funeral Service:
January 04, 2022
12:00 PM
Johnston Chapel Freewill Baptist Church
6147 Raleigh Road
Benson, NC 27504
(919)934-4777

Interment:
Tuesday January 04 2022
Knollwood Memorial Park
12830 US. 70 Bus Hwy. W.
Clayton , NC 27520