Blanche (Jennings) Bryant

Blanche Bryant was born on April 16, 1926 to the late Ernest and Willie Thompson Jennings in Roe, Arkansas. She was the oldest of eight children.

She married Hubert Hall, and to that union three children were born - Marilyn, Kenneth, and Dennis.

Blanche later married Lawrence ‘Phil’ Bryant, and they were happily married for over thirty years until he passed.

Blanche accepted Christ at an early age. She was a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Roe, Arkansas, under the leadership of Reverend Henry Dabner, Sr.

Ms. Blanche, as she was known in the community, was a woman of great character and love for people. She took pride in her work and anything in which her name was associated. After receiving multiple acknowledgements for her service at Stuttgart Memorial Hospital, Blanche and her husband Phil chose to focus on owning and operating their restaurants. Phil’s Place and Blanche’s Kitchen were staples in Stuttgart for over two decades. 

While she loved working and cooking at her restaurants, nothing brought Blanche more joy than cooking for and being surrounded by family. Her house was the gathering spot for family get-togethers. Big Mama, as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren, set an example of respecting others, believing in yourself and your abilities, and working hard to achieve your goals. She leaves a strong legacy to follow.

She departed this life on Sunday, July 17, 2022 in Irving, Texas. Blanche was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Willie Jennings, husband Lawrence Bryant, son Dennis Hall, daughter Marilyn Jean McBride, son-in-law Tom McBride, daughter-in-law Margo Hall, sisters Mildred Pike, Ann McCain, Inez Washington, and Sermarilyn Scurlock, and brothers Alvin Jennings and Clemon ‘Ray’ Jennings.

Blanche leaves to cherish her memories her sons Kenneth Hall of St. Louis, MO and Fred (Sandra) Bryant of Los Angeles, CA; daughter Catina Scurlock of Detroit, MI; twelve grandchildren Reginald Hall of Stuttgart, AR, Anthony Edwards of Irving, TX, Kenneth (Lisa) Hall, Jr., Tina Hall, and Christie Hall, all of St. Louis, MO, Cory Hall, Tabitha Hall, Najla Hall, and Derrick Hall, all of Little Rock, AR, Lamont Bryant of CA, Darius Smith of Houston, TX and Roderick Gomez of Detroit, MI; twenty-four great-grandchildren; a host of great-great grandchildren; daughter-in-law Linda Rice of Little Rock, AR; sister Pearl Rogers of Stuttgart, AR; sister-in-law Veola Jennings; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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