Edna Mae Bryant

BRYANT, Edna Mae, “Eddie,” age 95, passed away peacefully after a short illness, on Wed., Oct. 16, 2018, in the presence of her devoted daughter and the caring staff of Bellerose Sr. Living in San Jose, CA. Edna Mae was born in Denver, CO on Oct. 17, 1922, to Sidney and Evalyn Willcoxon. She was the eldest of 8 children from this union. Both parents had been previously married and had other children: Lou, Robert (Bud), Charles, Charlene, Wayne, and George. Edna Mae was a devout Christian throughout her life and was an active member/greeter of Bethel Church on Winchester Blvd.From an early age, Edna Mae loved domesticity. She excelled at taking care of a home and family. The Willcoxon’s moved to San Jose, CA in 1940, and rented an upstairs apartment at 852 E. Santa Clara St. from Marshall and Eunice Bryant, who lived on the first floor below. On Dec. 7, 1941, at age 19, Edna Mae married Howard R. Bryant, age 23, in Reno, Nevada—not knowing at the time, Pearl Harbor was being bombed. Five weeks later, Howard was drafted into the Army (Hawaii, So. Pacific, Solomon Islands, New Caldedonia, Guadalcanal, New Zealand and Fiji Islands). The newlyweds did not see each other again for 3 1/2 years. In 1946, daughter Denelle was born; and in 1951, a son Terry.Over the years, Edna Mae had an interesting career and worked at different jobs. The career she wanted most in life was to be a school teacher of young children. Her wish came true when she was hired as a teacher’s aide at Bethel Christian preschool—she was in her 80s!Edna Mae was an active person with an abundance of energy into her 90s. She loved music and had great rhythm. She often said she would have made a good drummer! She exercised and did calisthenics every morning. She loved being with people. She was a patient person who maintained a child’s sense of fun her whole life. She had a positive attitude, loved to laugh till she cried and had a passion for living until the end. Edna Mae loved to travel and was the best traveling companion.In the 1980’s, she went to Europe with Bethel Church visiting Russia, Jerusalem, Helsinki, and Romania handing out the Book of Hope. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.Edna Mae was preceded in death by her parents, husband Howard; siblings: Frances, Lou, Charles, Charlene, Wayne, George, Keith, Marion, Robert and Woody. She is survived by her siblings: Glenn, Clarence, Jere; her children: son Terry Bryant, daughter Denelle Wiggins, grandchildren: Tate, Trudie, Scott; great grandchildren: Matthew, Daniel, Cristyna, Brock; great, great grandchildren: Joshua, Conner, and Maddi and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Room E at Oak Hill Funeral Home. The funeral Service will be Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at 1:00 PM in Chapel of Roses, 300 Curtner Ave., San Jose, CA 95125, burial to follow.The family would prefer in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Vitas Healthcare (hospice).