Mary Pearson Fisher Bryant

Mary Pearson Fisher Bryant, 90, of Quinton, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.

Born May 4, 1933, she was the daughter of the late C. Linwood and Alice Vail Ware Fisher.

Mary graduated from New Kent High School in 1950 and received her degree in Education from Madison College in 1954. Prior to the birth of her children, she taught in Prince William, Virginia, and Mineral Wells, Texas. After a break to start a family, she joined Fairfax County Public Schools where she spent 28 years as a first and second grade teacher at Oakton Elementary School. Mary often said that she loved teaching children to read and fostering their natural curiosity, but she sure was glad that they taught them how to tie their shoelaces in kindergarten. She was a dedicated teacher who loved her students and was passionate about making a difference in their lives.

A lifelong Methodist, she was a member of Wesley United Methodist in Vienna, Virginia, and later returned to her childhood church, Providence United Methodist in Quinton, Virginia.

Mary was always active in civic and social activities. She was a member of the Carlyle Junior Women’s Club, the Martha Dandridge Woman’s Club, and the New Kent Historical Society. She also proudly supported and volunteered with education advocacy groups and local political campaigns.

Mary was known for her kindness, generosity towards others, great sense of style, and leaves behind many who will miss her dearly. She may have been tiny, but she was mighty.

Mary was pre-deceased by the father of her children, Jack M. Bryant; by her older sister and best friend, Shirley Ann Francisco; and by Shirley’s husband, Jimmie Francisco.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Sarah Vail Bryant and John Fisher Braynt, both of Quinton; sisters-in-law, Eleanor B. Lee and Susan B. Golladay; brothers-in-law, Robert H. Bryant and Franke Seese; beloved nephew, James C. “Jay” Francisco III; devoted niece, Alice Ann Ruffin (Edmund); great-niece, Dare Marie Ruffin; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family would especially like to thank her long-time devoted caregivers, Jacqueline Dobson and Candace Bradley.

The family will receive friends an hour prior to a memorial service to be held on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, 1 p.m. at Providence United Methodist Church, 4001 New Kent Highway, Quinton, Virginia. A reception celebrating Mary’s life will follow the service in the church’s fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Providence United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 118, Quinton, VA 23141, or the New Kent Humane Society, 16310 Cooks Mill Road, Lanexa, Virginia, 23089.