Bryant, Merlie Marie Gaddis,

95, was born March 27, 1922 and died April 23, 2017.

She was the daughter of William Jackson Gaddis and Sarah Jane Gaddis. She was preceded in death by husband Henry Quinton Bryant of 78 years. Born in Pulaski County, Kentucky. Merlie was the 9th of 13 siblings. "Converted and baptized in the name of our Lord."

After moving to Cincinnati, and later settling in South Lebanon, OH, she and Quinton built their home and life together with two sons, Raymond Jackson Bryant and Johnny William Bryant.

Merlie's life was filled with her love of faith and family. Spending countless hours sharing stories of her childhood on their land in Kentucky, and all the mischief she and her siblings could find. Merlie left us with many beautiful hand-made quilts, meticulously sewn by hand with love. For many years she and Quinton raised a garden and canned a plethora of food for the family to enjoy. She loved working for Procter & Gamble and ultimately retired from P&G giving her more time to garden, can their vegetables, and sew quilts.

Left to cherish her life are her two sons, Raymond Jackson (Janet

Rose) and Johnny William (Catherine); sisters, Mildred Elliott and Mathel Jenkins; sister-in-law Marie Gaddis; nephew Jimmy Durham;, grandchildren, Johnny Ray Bryant, Timmy Bryant, Jim Bryant, Raymond Scott Bryant (Emily), Virginia Marie Crofoot (Anthony), and four great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Janet Rose for her constant companionship and loving hours spent caring for Merlie.

Graveside services will be held Friday, April 28, 2017 at noon at Deerfield Cemetery, South Lebanon, OH.

Expressions of sympathy are asked to be given in her name to Hospice of Cincinnati , Inc. https://www.hospiceofcincinnati.org/donate.shtml

Published in The Courier-Journal on Apr. 25, 2017