Ethel Lee Jolly Bryant, 99, of Suffolk, died Monday, June 17, 2013, at her residence. She was a native of Tarboro, N.C., and the daughter of the late Mary McCoy Knight. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Crawley Bryant; daughter, Joan Bryant Moore; stepfather, James Knight; brothers, Leroy Jolly, Vernon Jolly, Edward Jolly; and sister, Mable Jolly Everette.

She was a member of St. Timothy Baptist Church and remained faithful until her health began to fail. She was educated in the Nansemond Collegiate Institute of Suffolk. She worked as a cook in the cafeteria of Booker T. Washington School. After leaving that job, she became the first African-American woman employed at Thomas J. Lipton Tea Company in the Tea Taster’s Office, where she retired.

She leaves to cherish her memory four devoted, caring and loving sons, Ashley Bryant (Louvella), of Hampton, Wilbert Bryant (Jessie), Walter Bryant, Reginald Bryant (Vivian), all of Suffolk; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren; one niece, Sylvia Jolly Turner (Rosser); nieces, nephews, other relatives and many caring friends.

A funeral service will be held at noon, Friday, June 21, 2013, at St. Timothy Baptist Church officiated by the Rev. Thomas Harden. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2013, at Crocker Funeral Home. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.