Lee Ethel (Smith) "Bay" Bryant

Lee Ethel Smith "Bay" Bryant, 88, of Rome,NY, went home to be with her Lord on May 11, 2023, following a stay at Strong-Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. She was born on January 31, 1935, in Union, SC, a daughter of the late Curtis and Hannah Rice Smith.  On May 24, 1984, she was united in marriage with Captain Kenneth D. Bryant. Lee is survived by three daughters,  Marilyn Hawkins and Jacqueline Hawkins both of Rome, NY and Kimberly Bryant of Middletown, OH.  She is also survived by two sons, Curtis Bryant (Ginger) and Kenneth Bryant, II (Melissa) also of Middletown, OH.  She is also survived by a brother, Curtis Smith Jr. (Judy) of Union, SC.  Lee also leaves to mourn her passing grandchildren,Elliott Chisholm, Justin Boyd, Amber Chisholm, Lakisha Bryant, Breonna Bryant, Kierra Curry, and Quentin Hays.  She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Malachi Boyd and Autumn Davis; and a host of other relatives and honorary family members.  She was predeceased by her husbands, John Boyd in 1965 and Kenneth Bryant in 2019. She is also predeceased by her son, Michael V. Boyd and daughter, Vicki Boyd Chisholm, as well as brothers, Nathan, Rutherford, John and Jessie James Smith; three sisters, Lucille Valines, Barbara Jean Brown, and Shirley Jean Smith.

Lee was, most recently, a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Rome.  She was also a long time founding member, trustee and deaconess at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Rome.  She was also a member of the Northeastern Baptist Association.  Lee was a talented cook who loved to share her culinary creations, with a southern flair, with family and friends, or those in need.  For over 25 years Lee was employed by the Annsville Youth Camp as Head Cook until her retirement.  She loved her job, and particularly loved introducing Southern cuisine to residents and staff.  Fondly referred to as “Mrs. B”, she loved being a mother figure and guiding the young residents. Lee also worked as bus monitor for Birnie Bus until 2016 after retiring from Annsville.

She will be remembered as a giving person who was very considerate of others, always ready to share whether it be spiritual, emotional, monetary or material needs.  She was exceptionally active in the church.  In the 90s, along with Kenneth, Lee  prepared Thursday lunches for the community at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.  Together they also spearheaded the church sponsored monthly food pantry that was held in the old Marine Midland Bank Building.  Lee had a great sense of humor, was known for her sense of fashion and her decorating flair! No one was a stranger to her; her loving, powerful spirit was felt by anyone that came in contact with her. 

You surely earned your wings, Lee. We love you momma - and guess what -  ain’t nothin’ you can do about it!

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 1 P.M. at Mount Calvary Baptist Church,  203 Erie Blvd, East in Rome.  Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will take place in Middletown, OH.

  Arrangements by Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home,  7751 Merrick Road, Rome, NY.

This announcement is a courtesy of Community Mortuary, Inc., 361 Meansville Road, Union, SC.

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