Legette Allen Bryant
August 13, 1938 - July 17, 2005
Obituary
Brother Legette Allen Bryant, Jr. was born in forth Worth, Texas on August 13, 1938. He came to Washington State as an aircraft mechanic in the Navy. In 1961, upon his release from military duty he moved to Seattle where he met and married Roberta Cyrene Nov. 19, 1941- May 11, 1986 and started a family. In 1966 he became the proprietor of the first African-American owned Chevron full service station on 23rd and Pike.
Driven by his devotion and desire to be able to better provide for his family, he was the first ever to finish a 2 year apprenticeship program in 6 months. In the 70’s and 80’s union organized labor became the stepping stone to his future as a carpenter/contractor from which he retired at age 58. He was an esteemed member of Carpenter’s Local Union #131 and later became a mentor to young African-American apprentices.
In 1976 he joined Ebenezer AME Zion Church becoming a trustee, and member of the Men’s Choral Group. In 1988 he met and married Opal Lewis who is also a member. They were also active members of the Seattle Elks Lodge.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Opal Bryant, brother Cyril A. Bausley, sister Marietta McGee, children, Velena Bryant-Washington, Virginia Bryant, Valorie Bryant, Gwen and Keith Weldon, and Paul Levy. He was very loved and well respected by a host of relatives.
Funeral services will be held at Ebenezer AME Zion Church, 1716 23rd Ave, Seattle 12 noon Saturday July 23, 2005.
Wow, I didn’t know such a thing existed. Well, here’s my retrospective entry! Hey Gin! The first thing I remember about uncle Legette was his nick-name: Boots. Auntie Bobbi called him Two-Boots! To this day, I don’t remember the story behind the nickname, but it sure sticks. The next thing that comes to mind is her. He, cannot be remembered without remembering my auntie Bobbi. I wish she were here today. She would clear up a NUMBER of things. Third is a memory from childhood. Uncle rode bicycles backwards to make us laugh. And he did it well. It made my mom irritated !, but I loved it! Added to this was his on-going love affair with the song? Rubberband Man. My step father gave me a nickname that I refuse to enter hereon, nonetheless, that name is what uncle Legette used when I’d walk in the house 4th memory. As a people we tend to say only the fun-loving things about a person when they die. I guess that’s the protocol of life. I remember some extremely difficult times with the family and myself. But, what I’m learning to value is love. Beyond any shadow of any doubt Uncle Legette and Aunie Bobbi loved each other. And to that end, he, as the “stay” of the family unit, stayed married to his wife and family. That is a very precious treasure.
Marie Beth.
I was a step-daughter for 17 years to Bryant. He was a good man to our family. He will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to my loving mom, and his loving daughters, whom I consider my sisters, Valena, Virginia, and Valorie.
I knew Legette briefly through his association with the Lifetime Fitness program at Group Health, where he would bring Opal to class. I respected his dedication to Opal, as well as the quiet dignity he always carried. I shall miss him, as I currently miss seeing Opal in class.
I knew Legette briefly through his association with the Lifetime Fitness program at Group Health, where he would bring Opal to class. I respected his dedication to Opal, as well as the quiet dignity he always carried. I shall miss him, as I currently miss seeing Opal in class.
My prayers, sympathy and love go to all of you – in particular, Velena, Ginny and Babe.
SOLACE
They are not gone –
these loved ones whom we mourn, we must not think of them as far away. Unto a fuller life have they been born, laying aside the vesture of this clay. Yet near us still they watch, and love and know; we are the blind ones who no longer see familiar forms that we so dearly loved, waiting reunion in eternity.
-Benedictine Sisters
My father was the best Dad in the entire universe. Make no mistake about it. He gave me my love of God. As a child of 7, he showed me Psalm 27 which has been my own personal credo all my life. He worked 7 days a week, 12 hours a day to provide for our family and still played softball after church on sundays or took us to the drive-in movies. He took us church every sunday no matter what happened during the week and we went. He taught me to play dominoes and to bowl, He told me it was ok to be strong as I wanted and nothing could stop me just because I was a girl. Hence, I am not known to lose. To be afraid of only God, and nothing else, not even him. To trust God in everything. My Father gave me my faith. As his illness progressed I was with my Dad pretty much every single day. My sister Virginia-GIN, has been my right hand and without her I could not live, my sister Valorie-BABY BRYANT, even though her schedule would not permit her with us came through at just the right moments. Even at the time of his homegoing he had dignity courage and strength. I never liked superman/capt america/or any other superhero because I had my Dad.
What my Father meant to me from his youngest Daughter. My Father was the best man in my life he never left us…I had to share my father with some of my cousins that was O.K. with me because I knew he loved to teach and guide. He taught me to love myself and be of good courage and that there is really nothing to be afraid of in this thing called life. He was my great advisor and from all his sermons he was always right. I could call on my Dad at any time for anything and he never tired of my requests. I love my Dad more than life it self. After my Family learned of his terminal illness which was the most difficult time in the world for me being in the Medical Field and having worked with Hospice CA patients I knew what to expect these last seven months have meant more to me today as his is so missed. I had a opportunity to visit, cook for pray and read scriptures and even fast for my Father as he was a diabetic upon which he received the blessed news that kimo was working. I did all I could with the time I had. Please donot forget the vibrant, distingquished, style of my Handsom Father this Beloved Man will never be forgotton in our Family. He was an upright Christian who worked very hard for his Family a real family Man. Oh God please have mercy on this one as he has paid the price and earned a good account with you to be worthy of your presence now and always. Sister Valorie
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. During this difficult time the Bible is a wonderful source of comfort. Jesus promises us at John 5:28,29 that “….all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out….” May the hope of seeing your dear loved one again, as well as your fond memories, bring a measure of comfort to you and your family.