Mrs. Mary Jane Bryant was born on October 16, 1937, to Mr. Russell W. Locklear and Mrs. Elsie Carter Locklear. She remained deeply connected to Mt. Airy Baptist Church and the Mt. Airy community throughout her life, faithfully serving through her career, her ministry, and her generous spirit. She was preceded in death by her parents: Mr. Russell W. Locklear and Mrs. Elsie Carter Locklear; her husband: Mr. Alfred Bryant Sr.; her son: Mr. Kim Alan Bryant; her brothers: Mr. Bill Buck Locklear, Mr. Tom Carter, Mr. Sam Carter, Mr. Roosevelt Locklear, and Mr. Grady Locklear; and her sister: Ms. Fatima Jacobs.
Mrs. Mary Jane devoted 34 years to education as a teacher with the Public Schools of Robeson County. A lifelong member of Mt. Airy Baptist Church, she served in numerous roles, including Sunday School teacher of her Young Adult Ladies Class, music leader, and WMU (Woman’s Missionary Union) director. Her leadership touched both children and senior adults, and for many years she led the church’s annual Mission Week trips to Fort Caswell—experiences that enriched and inspired all who attended.
The funeral will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Mt. Airy Baptist Church with the Revs: James Kelvin Locklear, Dr. Michael Cummings, Adrian Hammonds and Dr. Steve Strickland. Burial to follow in the Mt. Airy Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral ceremony from 1-2:30 p.m.
Mrs. Mary Jane is survived by her brother: Mr. Russell W. Locklear Jr.; her sons: Dr. Alfred Bryant Jr. (Tabitha), Mr. Royal Travis Bryant (Teresa), and Mr. Marcus Lawrence Bryant (Katina); and her grandchildren: John Kimlan “Nikko” Bryant, Hannah Marie Strickland, Alaric Avery Travers Bryant, Aidan Cole Bryant, Cameron Travis Bryant, Brayden Wayne Bryant, Baileigh Mackenna Bryant, and Jackson Colt Bryant; great-granddaughter: Haslyn Emmarie Strickland; close friends: Mrs. Janice Bryant, Mrs. Brenda Scott, Mrs. Mable Jones, and Mrs. Yvonne Locklear; special friends and caregivers: Ms. Wanda Locklear, Ms. Bonnie Crue, Kobe Hunt; and a host of relatives and beloved friends.
Mrs. Mary Jane Bryant will be deeply missed for her lasting legacy as a devoted English teacher and a dedicated leader in music and missions at Mt. Airy Baptist Church. She was known for the warm “open door” policy she kept throughout her life—making everyone feel welcomed, loved, and at home. She often reminded visitors, “My home is your home—so feel free, get comfortable, and relax.” Her compassion, service, and unwavering faith touched countless lives. Her love for people and her family will echo for generations, leaving a powerful example of grace, leadership, and enduring love.
