Martha Lee (Nowvell) Bryant, affectionately known as “Tutts” and “Boot”, was born on April 10, 1945, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Rosa Lee (Nowvell) Solomon. On Monday afternoon, March 30, 2020, she slipped beautifully and peacefully into the arms of God, while at Sentara Hospital-Virginia Beach. All who knew and loved her, patiently waited for her return home, but God’s patience required her to return to her heavenly home. Martha had a personal relationship with God, being baptized and giving her life to Him in her adult life.
Martha, 74 years young, was a sincere and caring friend and mother. She was full of motherly wisdom and honesty we all need, but may not want to hear. She was a caregiver at heart, and could bring out the best in anyone, no matter how small. She opened her heart and arms to so many in her community, it was hard not to want her to be your mom, or Auntie, hence, the many adopted sons and daughters who also called her “Mom”. She never, if ever, met anyone who did not come to love her for her friendship, and she had a way of making you “fess up”. Martha was an avid watcher of the “Westerns”, loved snow crab legs and playing spades as a pastime. She was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan and knew each player and each season by heart, quickly correcting you if you were “outta line”. Martha always dressed for the occasion, whether heading to an event with her husband, a birthday party with her daughter or sitting at home on the porch, and yes, she became the life of the party at your very own party.
Martha attended Ruffner High School in Norfolk, Virginia. She was briefly married, and became the mother to two daughters. Martha attended classes at Tidewater Community College, taking classes in general studies. She worked as a welder at the Newport News Shipyard in Newport News, Virginia. Martha found her true calling as a caregiver and received certification as a Nursing Assistant in the mid 1980’s, where she worked at Chesapeake Health Rehabilitation Center for several years until she suffered a back injury. She not only cared for patients, after her mother became ill, Martha became her primary caregiver, dedicating her time and love to caring for her needs. Martha was known to always care for others during her life and for that, she was an inspiration, and taught others caring, through compassion. Anyone who was blessed to know Martha, respected her and could not help but to stay connected to her if for nothing but good conversation. Martha lived several years in the Campostella area of Chesapeake, before residing in Norfolk.
On February 14, 2002, Martha became the lovely wife of Billy Bryant. For more than 18 years, the two have been life long partners and enjoyed good times, laughter and some sorrows throughout the years. Their names were synonymous, where you saw one, there would be the other close by.
Martha was a devoted sister to her one and only brother, Larry D. McNeil. Martha spoke with him almost daily, and he shared devotional and inspirational messages with her. They also shared their love of movies, music and searching for great food deals. They would spend hours on the phone, neither wanting to hang up. He was her best friend.
Martha is preceded to her heavenly home by her grandmother Martha Lee Pope, her mother, Rosa Lee (Nowvell) Solomon, and brother, Larry D. McNeil. Martha leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, Billy R. Bryant, and two daughters, Tanya Jenkins and Rosalyn Colyer (LC). She has also left to honor her life, two grandsons, Lawrence and Cedric, five nieces, Shannon, Angie, Leann Rose, Melissa, Marilyn, a great-niece and great-nephews.
Martha has a host of adopted sons and daughters who loved her, showed concern for her and were impacted by the life she lived. To all of you, Billy, Tanya and Rosalyn thank you and are grateful for your support.
Friends for life, Martha cherished her conversations with all those who she met in this life. During what would come to be her unexpected last days, she sought out the faces of three women who were like sisters and daughters to her, during her journey here on earth, Catherine Burke (Tunie), Rosalyn Pagan, and Trena Washington. She longed for them then, but God has since given her peace and all is well.
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Shannon Crawford says
April 5, 2020 at 8:48 pmI will love and miss you always Aunt Martha. I will always remember you smile and your laugh and how you always told me I look just like you. Fly high my angel ❤️
Wanda Williams says
April 7, 2020 at 5:56 pmR.I.P. my friend and patient I am going to miss you !! PRAYING for her family !
Elisaer A Saunders says
April 8, 2020 at 5:32 amWe will miss you dearly Aunt Martha for there will never be another like you. Sleep peacefully knowing one day we shall meet again. Love always❤