Leona Bryant

Leona Marie Bryant, age 87, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

 

She was born in Hot Springs on May 22, 1936, to Victory Eugene (Ragsdale) and Carroll Homer Simmons. In her early adult life, she worked in Illinois as a chauffeur, later marrying and returning to Arkansas, where she raised her five daughters in Kibler.

 

After her children were grown, she married the love of her life, John Neil "Squeeb" Bryant, who affectionately referred to her as "Sugarbooger.” Leona and Neil enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and traveling. Since Neil's passing in 1994, she resided in Jacksonville, Florida, and will be remembered for the deep love she had for her family and friends.  

 

Leona is survived by her five daughters: Jeannie Vosper (Rick), Linda Cariker (Mark), Brenda Norsworthy, Jamie Blevins (Gary), Vikki Barron (Kevin), and her nephew John Housley (Linda), who considered her to be his mother. She is also survived by two brothers, Donald and Ronald Simmons; 11 grandchildren: Danuel Stevens, Nicole Stevens-Homan (Rory), Daniel Vosper, Andrew Vosper, Thomas Alls, Jesse Alls, Victoria Powell, Marcus Gilmore (Cerickia), Elijah Black, Brennan Blevins (Sydney), and Cairis Barron; 10 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Neil; siblings, Jessie Mae "Pete" Roberts, Helen Housley, Gladys Corrado, Sylvia Ellis, Bill Simmons, Frank Simmons, Dale Simmons, Thomas Simmons, and her granddaughter-in-law, Caprice Marsh Stevens. 

 

Interment will be at the Fort Smith National Cemetery Friday, November 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the donor’s local animal shelter.