AVA – Beverly Joan Bryant, 83, of Ava, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at Memorial Hospital, Carbondale, IL, after a short illness.

Beverly was born May 8, 1938, in rural Ava, IL, to Leo F. and Mabel E. (Holliday) Tope. She married Joe Eldon Bryant on August 10, 1957, in Carbondale, IL. Eldon preceded her in death on February 5, 2003, after a lengthy illness from an accident at the coal mines. Mother spent countless hours at dad's bedside, never leaving him alone once during all of his medical issues.

Beverly was a homemaker, raising her seven children along with a couple of extras that she took care of throughout the years. They will always hold a special place in her heart. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Christian Church.

Beverly is survived by her children: Richard and Terri Bryant, Regina and Curt Pierson, Rita and Eugene Edwards, Rhonda and Robert Roach, Russell and Leandra Bryant, Randall and Rhonda Bryant, Robyn and Jeff Clover.

Beverly was known as Grandma B to her grandchildren: Joe and Tosha Phoenix, Joni and Jonathan Morber, Bobby Roach, Jesy and Courtney Phoenix, Tara and Tyler Heinzmann, Justin and Carissa Bryant, Keri Bloodworth, Zac and Kayli Pierson, Heather and Brandon Zeman, Cassie and Jason McBride, Brittany Clover, Danielle and Thomas Beckman, Tyler and Elaina Bryant, Holly Bryant; Great Grandchildren: Aubrey and Cori Chamness, Spencer and Hunter Heinzmann, Emery and Elliot Bloodworth, Natalie, Zoey and Brady Zeman, Isaiah Coleman, Haden and Karter Phoenix, Dyllan Phoenix, Adalyn and Jai Morber, Clancy Phoenix, Trystan and Wyatt Roach, Ryker and Ainslie McBride, Rigdon Bryant, Jackson and Lincoln Bryant, Brantley and Gabriella Beckman, Gage and Bailee Clover. Siblings: June and Jim Jeffers of Steeleville, IL, Barbara Heiple of Murphysboro, IL, DeFlain Phoenix of Ava, IL, Margie Heiman of Ava, IL, and sister-in-law Carol Bryant of Murphysboro, IL. Beverly will be missed by so many, especially her sweet pet Molly.

Beverly is preceded in death by her husband, parents, one grandson, Lucas Matthew Bryant, three brothers, Gene Leroy, and William Tope, three brothers-in-law, Glenn Heiple, Irvin Phoenix, and Ronald Heiman, sister, Jewel Levan and her husband Robert, in-laws, Joe and Irene Bryant, and brother-in-law William Earl Bryant.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, IL. Burial to follow. Visitation will be at Wilson' Funeral Home, Ava, IL, where friends may call from 5 - 8 pm, Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Memorials may be given to Bartlett Cemetery and can be mailed to Wilson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.