Debra Ann Bryant

Debra Ann (Carson) Bryant, 62, of Fort Walton Beach, FL, passed away on 30 October 2018 at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born to the late Ralph and Ruthie Carson on 4 March 1956 in Florala, AL.

She will be remembered for being a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, steward to the elderly and niece.

She graduated from Florala High School in the class of 1975.

Debra was employed by the Okaloosa County Head Start Program, Wal-Mart, Inc, City of Fort Walton Beach Chester Pruitt Community Center (Gym) and the Okaloosa County School System.  She was always attentive to the needs of others, especially that of the elderly.  She would help individuals’ complete paperwork who couldn’t read or write and some who just didn’t understand the paperwork, helping the homeless.  She took the youth who came into the gym and helped them in numerous ways.  If it wasn’t for her caring nature a lot of the youth who came to “the gym” would have ended up incarcerated.  They always knew Debra was there for them to talk to.  She would listen to each child giving them advice, keeping their secrets, but the most important thing…these young boys and girls knew she was always there for them.  Debra kept the gym open in the afternoon so the youth would have a place to go instead of running the streets getting into trouble.  She influenced a lot of youth to become men and women working toward true careers; instead of thinking they would become trapped in a system going nowhere.  The kids thought Debra had eyes in the side of her head instead of the back of her head like some say; because she could always catch all they were doing and snap them back to attention.  Many of her hours at the gym were volunteer because she loved all the people of the area.  She served as an Usher at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church and also worked with the youth there.  She had Christ’s heart for His people; always letting His light shine.  She was a true Fashion Model “Teenage Sister.” A mentor to all.

Debra was preceded in death by her son, Tarmel “Barry” Bryant; her father Ralph Carson Sr; her mother, Ruthie Carson; brothers, Clark Carson, Ralph Carson Jr., Joe Robert Carson and Terry Carson.

She is survived by two sons, Tray R.S. Carson and Tuwan R. Bryant; a devoted and loving fiancé, Raymond Caldwell and daughter, Raymonda Caldwell; six sisters, Helen B. Roof, Mary P. Davis (Milton), Ronda Carson, Sonya D. Carson, all of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Gloria Gills of Atlanta, GA, and Angela Baldwin (Alonzo) of Hinesville, GA, and Vera Prince of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; sister-in-law, Annie P. Carson of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; four brothers, Donnie Carson (Shirley) of Louisville, KY, Charlie Carson (Annie) of Crestview, FL, Timothy “Chuck” Carson (Joyce) of Stumping Grounds, KY, T.L.C. Williams of Ft. Walton Beach, FL.; grandchildren, Tony L., Duwan, Dominique, Damone, Aalaiyah, Deadre, Taylor, Chole, Jada, Xavier, Kingston, Triston, Christian R, Damari and Dejah; great grandchildren, McKenzie and Zyah; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives; sisters and friends in Christ, Emma West, Yvonne Davis, Geraldine Futrell and Tamara Taylor.           

“I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, 102 4th Street, Fort Walton Beach, FL on 10 November 2018 at 1:00 PM.  The family will receive visitors from 12 Noon until 12:45 PM.  Interment will take place at Beal Memorial Cemetery following the service.  Flowers should be sent to Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church or if you prefer to make a donation it can be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Debra A. Bryant. 

The family would like to thank Emerald Coast Hospice, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Dr. Henry, Dr. Yuhico, Dr. Yunhui, Dr. Hansen, Dr. Wang, Dr. Steven, Dr. Yunhyi, Dr. Toledo, Dr. Carden, Dr. Rogers and Emerald Coast Funeral Home.

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