Joe Gerald Bryant

Joe Gerald Bryant, 89, of Hernando, Mississippi (formerly of Caruthersville, MO) passed away peacefully at his home on January 3, 2026.  He was born on December 6, 1936, to Freddie Lee Bryant and Clara Morgan Bryant.

Gerald was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend.  He will be remembered for his hard work, consistent strength and love for his family.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Malone Bryant of Hernando, MS; his children Joe Paul Bryant (Lynn) of Waynesboro, TN and Jane Ellen Jones (Gary) of Olive Branch, MS.  His 9 grandchildren, Jessica Stafford (Noel), JP Bryant, Reuben Bryant, Jeremiah Bryant (Nastia), Sue Ellen Lucas (Chad), Emily Rackley, Bryant Tutor, Kelly Jones and Kelsey Jones Collins (Peyton).  He also leaves behind 17 great grandchildren, Lorelai, Claude, Arabella, Juliette, Dane, Ava, Baker, Jaxon, Ramsey, Andrei, Logan, Sophie, Delainey, Chadwick, Kelly Ann, Stetson and Parker.

Gerald is also survived by his sisters, Helen Walls, and Pat Auxier; his nieces and nephews, Stephanie Poindexter (Heath), Susan Gennoe (Steve) and Tim Auxier.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Freddie Lee Bryant and Clara Morgan Bryant; his brother Bud Bryant; and his daughter, Kelly Bryant Tutor.

A visitation will be held at H.S. Smith Funeral Chapel in Caruthersville, MO, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Maple Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to Central Church of Christ, 3501 Playground Road, Caruthersville, MO 63830.

The family takes comfort in the words of John 14: 1-3, “let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I  am there you may be also.”

Gerald will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

H.S. Smith Funeral Home in charge of services.

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