Bernard Joe (“B. J.”) Bryant

Bernard Joe (“B. J.”) Bryant passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at the age of 94.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at the First Baptist Church, Kosse Texas, with Reverends Milton Woodall and Ricky Waller officiating. Burial followed in the Marquez Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Ethan Johnson, Clint Moore, Chris Payne, Jonathan Dudley, Ronnie Hill, and Curtis Dudley. Honorary pallbearers were the Deacons of the First Baptist Church of Kosse.

B. J. was born November 2, 1928, the youngest child of Charlie Monroe Bryant and Bertha Ona (Petty) Bryant, in Marquez, Texas and moved to Houston as a child. He graduated from Milby High School and lived on the east side of Houston for many years.

In 1955, B.J. married Sandra Hipp and they had two sons (Charles Lee and William Joel). He worked at Schlumberger Well Services for over 30 years, retiring in 1982.

B. J. served as music director at churches in the Houston area (notably, Port Houston Baptist and Manchester Street Baptist) and served other churches by leading music in their Revival services. He coached his sons (and their friends) in baseball and helped start the girls’ softball program at Northshore Little League.

B.J. moved to Kosse after his retirement and resumed his service to the Lord and the community. He was Music Minister at First Baptist Church in Kosse for many years and served the community as a leader in the Kosse Lions’ Club. B. J. was a friend to everyone and was always ready to show others the love of the Lord. He loved Jesus and his family most of all. He raised his two boys to love the Lord and showed them how a godly father lives on earth. B. J. loved to sing (especially gospel music) and would be the one to pass around song sheets or breakout a guitar during fellowships with friends or family. He was always ready to praise God and spent some of his last moments singing gospel music with his family.

B.J. is preceded in death by his oldest son, Charles Lee Bryant. He is also preceded in death by his parents (Charlie and Bertha) and siblings: Thelma Newsom, Elvis Bryant, Truman Bryant, Thurman P. Bryant, Foy Bryant, Charles M. Bryant, and Ila Mae Keller.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; son Joel (wife Melanie); daughterin- law, Valicia Bryant; grandchildren Kyle Bryant, Nicole Payne, Kristen Bryant, Cara Dudley, Kelli Moore, and Rebecca Bryant; and six greatgrandchildren..

In lieu of flowers the family asks anyone who wishes to make a donation to the charity of their choice.

Visit www. groesbeckfuneralhome. com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.