March 30, 1945 – October 22, 2021
Loretta Rae Bryant, age 76, of Pearland, passed away peacefully October 22, 2021, in her home in the presence of family.
Always devoted daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister, friend, wife, coworker, mother and grandmother, Loretta was born on March 30, 1945 in “the Valley” in Harlingen, TX. At the age of 13 she met her future husband Gene Bryant on the playground at the drive-in movie theater. Loretta graduated from Brownsville High School and later married Gene, the love of her life, celebrating more than 58 years of marriage. Gene and Loretta eventually settled in Baytown, TX where they raised their children and later moved to the Friendswood/Pearland area to be closer to family. Loretta transitioned from homemaker to a successful 27 year career with Exxon at the Baytown Olefins Plant before she retired and took up her primary passion as Granny to her 9 grandchildren.
Loretta loved time with family and friends. She loved traveling with Gene and friends for a getaway or cruise, or with the kids and grandkids on vacations around the US and as far away as Dubai. She was always up for an adventure. She also loved just enjoying a cold drink and conversation on her patio with friends who stopped by.
She dearly loved and championed her children and grandchildren in every way through life’s events and activities making it to every concert, school function, or sporting event that she possibly could. She was always creating through her talent of sewing and crafting, or caring for her plants with a green thumb. She was an avid reader and loved a challenge in scrabble and later words with friends and always enjoyed a good puzzle. One of her favorite passions in retirement beyond her family was an intense love for the Houston Astros. She loved rooting them on and even attended a game in their successful World Series run in 2017.
Loretta is survived by her husband, Gene Bryant, of Pearland, three children, Debbie Rae Berkenmeier, Eric Bryant and Deric Bryant, all of Friendswood, their spouses, Wayne Berkenmeier, Nancy Bryant, and Emily Bryant and nine grandchildren, Reid Berkenmeier, Riley Berkenmeier, Blake Bryant, Olivia Bryant, Reagan Berkenmeier, Luke Bryant, Lillian Bryant, Winnie Bryant, and Jack Bryant. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond L. “Pete” Childress and Winnie Loretta Childress and sisters Juanita Gindler and Beverly Gaedchens.
Friends are cordially invited to attend a visitation with the family at 9:00 A.M. on Thursday, October 28, 2021, with the service celebrating her life to begin at 10:00 A.M at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546 (281) 992-7200, with Rev. Scott Niemeir officiating. Following the celebration of life service, a graveside service for family and close friends will take place at Sterling White Cemetery in Highlands, TX. Following the graveside ceremony at 3:00 P.M., a casual gathering will be held at the Bryant home at 1008 Cowards Creek Ct in Friendswood, TX.
Condolences may be sent to the Bryant family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
11 thoughts on “Loretta Rae Bryant”
You will be missed .You were a good friend and a first class Lady. From THE TATE" S BILL ,KAY ANGELA , AND SAM.
I am heartbroken. Aunt Loretta was always there with a smile that lit up the room. She will be missed but never forgotten. My love and prayers to Debbie, Eric, Deric and Uncle Gene and all your families.
You will be missed. You were a good friend and a First Class Lady. Love to your sweet family and You From the Tates. Kay Bill Angela and Sam.
I will always remember the fond memories I shared with Loretta both as a co-worker at Exxon and the off-day gatherings. We would get together for hours of coffee and conversation after we each fetched the kids to school. We laughed a lot but also cried together when things seemed not quiet right in our lives. She always had crafts or photos to share and I helped out with her birthday cakes at times for Debbie, Eric & Deric. One day…we laughed so hard because we had not realized we had eaten a whole pan of cinnamon rolls during our visit. Thank you Loretta for all the fun times!!! To Debbie, Eric, & Deric…your mom was ever so proud of you and I miss her too but I know you can be so proud of the memories she left for all of us.
Gene, Debbie, Eric and Deric I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how much your mom/wife meant to you. My condolences go out to you.
Karen and Cameron
The world is a sadder place without her, thankful for having her in our family. We love you all and pray for peace . In Her s love Dan, Lynda , Elke and family💕
Loretta's my sister-in-law that i loved like my own sister i can't tell you how much fun we had with her and Gene going on cruises and to there kids place in dodge second to missing her I'm going to miss hanging out with her Gene and going to a local Mexican restaurant to eat lunch have one of her favorite beverages a margarita i will miss you Love always.
Wonderful lady that will truly be missed here on earth but heaven gained a beautiful angel. Our condolences to your family.
Aunt Loretta was such a wonderful mentor and encourager to me growing up. She always had a hug and a smile, and knew just what to say to make you feel better. I loved watching the joy she had watching all three of her children grow up to become successful in their lives, and of course her pride and joy were her nine beautiful grandchildren whom she loved dearly.
We will miss you so much, Aunt Loretta, and can’t wait to see you again one day.
With all my Love, Lolly
Loretta was the only other woman on Team 2 in Utilities when I first hired on. What a fine Mentor she was! She set a great example for others to follow in everything she did from her work ethic to raising outstanding children and having a lasting marriage. I know she was tired, she accomplished a lot in her lifetime and can know fly high with the Angels. She was a treasure and I’m proud to have known her. ♥️
Love you Loretta, Till we meet again💕