Verdell Bryant (November 12, 1923 – March 26, 2022)

Visitation Date:  Friday, April  08th, 2022

Visitation Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Visitation Location: Golden’s Funeral Home, 210 N. Pennsylvania  Ave, Winter Park FL., 32789

                     ***Viewing will be held at 10:00 am,  service will start immediately after***

Service Date:  Saturday,  April 09th, 2022
Service Time: 11:00 am
Service Location: Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 311 East Broadway Street, Oviedo, FL., 32765

Burial Location:  Greenwood Cemetery,  1603 Greenwood St., Orlando, FL., 32801

Celebrating the Life of 

Mother Verdell Bryant

Verdell McBurse Whitehead-Bryant was born on November 12, 1923 in Hawkinsville, GA to the late Everett “Bud” McBurse and Mariah “Sis” McBurse. She was the 5^th child of eleven children.

Verdell moved from Hawkinsville, GA to Philadelphia, PA in the early 1930’s where she worked as a housekeeper for many years. In the mid to late 1930’s Verdell moved to Newark, NJ and there she met and married Thomas Whitehead. He preceded her in death in 1979.

Verdell joined Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church, Newark, NJ under the leadership of Rev. Ernest Jackson.  She continued her walk with the Lord at New St. James Baptist Church, Newark, NJ under the leadership of the late Rev. James A. Dunlap, Sr. In the late 1980’s she moved to South Jersey, where she reunited with her childhood sweetheart Cornelius “CB” Bryant.  They married in May 1989.  She joined St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church, Bridgeton, NJ under the leadership of the late Rev. Levi Lockamy. Verdell was a faithful member and served on the usher board and choir.  CB preceded her in death in 1992.

In the late 1990’s Verdell relocated to Orlando, FL. She became a valued member of Rockhill Missionary Baptist Church in Jamestown, FL. Verdell loved and served the Lord with joy. She had a servant’s heart and served in many capacities throughout the years. She has served as an Usher, Choir President, Pastor’s Aide, and member of the Mother’s Board Ministry. She served faithfully under the leadership of the late Rev. Billy Jackson. She continued that faithfulness under Pastor Willie Nixon’s leadership and (Interim Pastor McKennon Fernander). 

Mother Bryant was known for her classy style of dress and her vast selection of hats. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, and spending quality time with her family. She was affectionately known by family and friends as Red, Mom, Granny and Aunt Dell. 

On Saturday, March 26, 2022, Mother Bryant’s earthly journey ended as she transitioned to her eternal home…just in time to prepare to sing with her family in that glorious Heavenly choir on Sunday!

Mother Bryant is predeceased by her sisters: Gladys Barnes, Inez Maultsby, Mildred Stewart, Deotha Parker Jackson, and Dorothy Dennis; brothers: Everett (Coot) McBurse, Sr., Horace McBurse, Sr., and William McBurse, God-son.   

She leaves to cherish and continue her legacy, daughter: Veronica Hayes McBurse (Orlando, FL); grandchildren: Courtney Hayes, Natalie Hayes and Eric Salahudeen (Rasheedah) (all of Orlando, FL); great grandchildren:  Veronica (Jazz), Eric, Cherae, Quinton, Elijah, Rashid, Ishmaaeel, Esa and Yusuf (all of Orlando, FL); great-great grandchildren: Q’adir and Lovely (Orlando, FL); sisters: Mervin McBurse (Oviedo, FL) and Jean Singletary (Syracuse, NY). Also left to cherish memories are other relatives and a vast number of nieces, nephews and a host of friends.