March 11, 2025, 81, Pikeville —

With profound sorrow and empathy, the management and staff of Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors join with the Bryant and connected families to announce the earthly departure of Mr. Lester Bryant, 81. Mr. Lester transitioned at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Lester Earl Bryant, the oldest son of the late James and Alice Austin Bryant, was born in Goldsboro, NC, on June 17, 1943. He departed this life on March 11, 2025, at home, surrounded by his beloved Family.

Born in Goldsboro, NC, Lester attended Wayne County Public Schools. At 16, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Vietnam War. After leaving the Army, Lester moved to New Jersey, where he and Johnnie lived and worked for 53 years. He retired from Automate Switch and returned home to be with Family and friends.

Lester was a loving and Happy Person who enjoyed spoiling his Family and friends. He had a heart of Gold and never met a stranger. He enjoyed traveling in his RV, listening to Jazz, and sharing laughter with his friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his grandparents, Paul and Rosa Williams Austin and Henry and Esther Whitley Bryant; a brother, Edwin Bryant, sister Gloria Lewis, one niece, Belinda Lewis,; a sister-in-law, Barbara Bell (Sis); brother-in-law Robert; mother-in-law Pollie Bell, and Sicarr Bryant.

He leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife and friend, Johnnie Mae; the nephew he raised as a beloved son, Xavius Bell; his sisters, Willa Faye Royal Pikeville, NC and Katrina Waters of Raleigh, NC; brothers Delmos (Yvonna) of Raleigh, NC, and Theodore Bryant of Newark, NJ; nieces Shakira Jackson, Belinda Bryant; nephews: Terrence Bryant, George Lewis, Jr., Dewayne Bryant, Adrian Royal, Jessie Whitley, Daquan Bryant; six great nieces, and nephews; one aunt Dorothy Bryant, his best friend and telephone buddy Wilbert Cherry of SC.

Services of Love & Compassionate Care have been entrusted to Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors and Cremations, LLC.