Barbara Bryant

Barbara Jean Bryant, beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, entered eternal rest on January 5, 2026 at her residence. Born and raised in Wakefield Virginia, Barbara carried her hometown roots with pride and always held close the people and places that shaped her.

Barbara was a vibrant woman, full of color, warmth, and personality. She had style, dignity, and that special touch of "bougie" that made you smile, because it was so authentically her. She had a way of making people feet seen and cared for, and she loved her family deeply, with a steady love you could count on.

A dedicated professional Barbara built a career in advertising sales and later retired from Cox Media Group where she served clients and coworkers with professionalism, consistency, and heart. She was a woman who worked hard, showed up, and handled business with grace.

Barbara also loved to experience life. Not only did she travel across the country and live in multiple states, but she also traveled the world, visiting places like Costa Rica, St, Martin, Anguilla, and Aruba, to name a few, Wherever she went, she brought her signature warmth, her eye for beauty, and her joy for living.

Above all Barbara loved her family. She cherished being "Iya" to her grandchildren, pouring into them with affection, wisdom, and presence. Her love will continue to live on through the values she instilled, the memories she created, and the faith and strength she modeled,

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Edwards Sr., and her brother, Keith Edwards.

Barbara is survived by her son, Joseph A. Edwards; her stepdaughter Erika Woods (Lasean), her grandchildren, Nyana. Julian, Ayan, and Maliyah; her mother, Dorothy Clark; her siblings; Joseph Edwards Jr., Deloris Lowery, Ronald Edwards (Katrina) and Erica Edwards-O'Neal (Thurston), Joanne Hawkins Gerald (Olen), stepsiblings Richard Clarke, Mark Clarke (Geraldine) Cheryl Adams (Jerry) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will forever carry her name and spirit in their hearts.

Her presence will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine through the many lives she touched. May she rest peacefully in God's loving care.

A Memorial Celebration will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Bryant family in your thoughts and prayers.