Carmen Alice Bryant, beloved mother, daughter, sister, grandma, wife, and friend passed away on July 21, 2022. She was born on July 18, 1923 in Allen, Oklahoma to James Edward and Stella Mabel McMeans and spent most of her early life on a farm. She had 4 brothers, Kenneth, Riley, C.L. (Corky) and Russell Ellis that all preceded her in death.
She led a very happy, active life filled with family, friends, and many activities such as sewing, quilting, baking, church service, caring for the sick and needy and being a friend to all. Her legacy will continue through her 4 children, 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.
She married Eugene Victor Rice on April 11, 1940 and had 4 children in this union. Gene passed away in 1959 and Carmen later married Raymond Bryant on August 19, 1972. She gained 2 more “bonus” children from this union and many grandchildren as well. She is survived by her children Jerry V Rice, Mary (Bill) Johnson, Ruth (Joe) Saavedra, Jane Thomas, and Virginia Morgan. She was preceded in death by one son, Gene Rice.
Her pride and joy were her grandchildren: Kami (Connor) Rawle, Seth ( Tawnie) Johnson, Brodie ( Danielle) Johnson, Chandi ( Landon) Young, Shane ( Cindy) Johnson, Pamela Rice, Lian (Kevin) Yearout, Carmen (Scott) Wenborn, Gena Batson, Diane, Gary and Christopher Saavedra, John(Kara) Morgan, Shelly ( Michael) LaBash, Matthew ( Mirna)Thomas and Rebecca (Michael) Everett. She was preceded in death by two grandsons, Landon Ray Johnson, and Gregory Alan Batson.
Carmen was the best mom, grandma and “grandma great” (as the great grandkids called her) that anyone could have. She will be sorely missed.
Her funeral service will be Monday, August 1 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr., Mesa, AZ from 5-7 pm. Viewing/Visitation will be from 5-6 pm and the service will begin at 6 pm. Carmen will then be buried next to Gene in Albuquerque, NM on August 5, 2022. In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice of the Valley are suggested.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Goodbye for now my dear mother and friend for the last 50 years. Grateful for my wonderful family. Thank you, Mary and Bill.
Carmen…..What a Joy and Delight to have been one of your Caregivers! Your Love for Jesus ….Your Faith…Your Love for people will always be imprinted on my heart…Heaven is rejoicing by your Homecoming! I look forward to spending Eternity with you Dear friend…Love you Lorin
Heaven is rejoicing as you enter your eternal home 🙏🏻 Give Dad a hug for me. Love You ❤️
While chronologically not true, in my memory, you have always been my grandmother. You taught me how to love, through your unconditional love. You taught me how to persist, through your endurance. You taught me how to work, through your tireless service. You taught me how to give, through your generosity. While I am sure there were times I disappointed you, I was never a disappointment in your eyes, and I knew it. Heaven is better for having you now. Earth is better for having you for 99 years. I love you with all my heart.
Thank you for all the years of love you have shown me. I will forever treasure our memories and fondly remember the time we spent together. Love you, Grandma Carmen.