Mary Lou Bryant, 88, of Clinton, Mo., formerly of Holden died Tuesday, Feb. 18, at Jefferson Gardens Assisted Living in Clinton, surrounded by her family.

Mary Lou was born May 18, 1925, in Kingsville, Mo., the daughter of Luther Thomas Gann Sr. and Beulah Mae (Koch) Gann. She was raised on the family farm near Holden, having graduated from the Holden High School. She was united in marriage to Virgil Edgar “Bill” Bryant Sr. on June 9, 1943, in Peculiar, Mo. The couple made their home on a farm south of Holden for several years, prior to moving to the Medford Community. Next, they moved to a farm east of Holden. They later relocated to a house in Holden, where the couple operated Lawler’s Service Station for a number of years. They eventually retired to a farm southeast of Holden. Upon her husband’s death, Mary Lou resided in Holden for several years.

She had lived in Clinton since October 1999. Her hobbies included tending to her flowers, cooking and reading. Mary Lou’s gift in life was her children, friends and family. There was always room at her table for anyone that wanted to eat or just be entertained.

Survivors include three daughters, Linda Parson and husband, Ed, of Blue Springs, Mo.; Marti Hancock and husband, Steve, of Branson, Mo.; and Judy Simpson and husband, Darrell, of Blue Springs; six sons, Mike Bryant and wife, Kim, of Branson West, Mo.; Virgil Bryant and wife, Jeanne, of Holden; Dale Bryant and wife, Sally, of Clinton; Jack Bryant and wife, Diane, of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; and Lynn Bryant and wife, Becky, of Springfield, Mo.; and Steve Bryant and wife, Mary, of Clinton; brother, Luther Gann Jr. of Warrensburg, Mo.; 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; two sons, Gary Bryant and Rick Bryant; sister, Martha Mae Clinger; and four brothers, Joe Gann, George Gann, Eddie Gann and Ken Gann; and grandson, Jay Simpson.