Ruth Edna Norfleet Bryant passed away on March 17, 2023, at the age of 93. She was born on October 17, 1929, to Arnett Norfleet, Sr. and Lelia Dixon-Norfleet in Perry County, Alabama. She was the third child of seven siblings. After her mother’s early death, her father remarried Sallie Brooks who became a loving stepmother to her and her siblings.
Ruth attended Reynolds Chapel Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln High School. Later, she received her Nursing Certification Degree from Washburne Trade Center in Chicago, Illinois. Ruth married Allen Bryant, Sr., who was in the United States Air Force, and together they had five children, two girls, and three boys. They traveled around the country before settling in Chicago, where she worked as a LPN at the Cook County Hospital until her retirement.
Ruth had a deep faith in God and was a baptized member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church at an early age. Later, she joined Christian Greater Rock M B Church in Chicago and was a devoted and dedicated member. After retirement, Ruth returned to her hometown and reunited with Oak Grove United Methodist Church and later joined Reynolds Chapel Church.
Ruth loved people and was a hardworking woman who enjoyed cooking and designing beautiful dresses and outfits. She settled in Newbern, Alabama, and became known as the “taxi driver” for the community. She grew various vegetables and generously shared them with people in the community. She worked tirelessly with various organizations to make Perry County a better place for its citizens.
Ruth passed away on March 17, 2023, at her home in Newbern, surrounded by her family. Visitation was held on March 24, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Melvin Miller Funeral Service in Marion. Funeral services were held on March 25, at 1:00 PM at Reynolds Chapel Church in Newbern, Alabama. Interment followed at Norfleet Cemetery in Newbern.
