Julia Bryant Smith

Julia Ann Bryant Smith entered this world on December 14, 1948, an early Christmas blessing to her parents, Lamar and Edna Bryant. The second of six children, she embraced her role as the eldest daughter with a natural grace, helping to care for her younger siblings with a loving and steady hand. Growing up in a farming family, Julia learned the values of hard work and perseverance early in life, spending her childhood days working the fields while attending school.

At a young age, Julia accepted Christ as her Savior and joined Chesterfield Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as a junior usher. She proudly graduated from Chestnut Consolidated High School in 1966 and soon began working in garment manufacturing in Loris, SC. In 1967, she married Collins Gore, the father of her only child, her beloved son, Collins Gore,Jr.

When her marriage unexpectedly ended, Julia made the courageous decision to seek new opportunities for herself and her son in New York City. There, she began a career in banking, steadily rising from teller to managerial roles through dedication and determination.

In 1978, Julia remarried John Smith, and together they traded northern winters for the warmth of Houston, Texas. Deeply rooted in her faith, she joined Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained an active and devoted member for decades. Despite long drives across Houston's sprawling freeways, she rarely missed a service.Julia served in multiple ministries and embraced every opportunity to live out her faith through service.

Julia later married WillieJohnson, and together they built a life grounded in love, family, and faith. They played a significant role in raising their great-grandson and supporting the upbringing of two additional great-grandchildren. They traveled the country, served their church, and honored God through their daily lives.

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to our cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great­ great-grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend. Though our grief is deep, our faith reminds us that this goodbye is only temporary. We find comfort in knowing that we will one day be reunited with her in Heaven.

Julia leaves to cherish her memory a son, Collins Il GoreJr.; her granddaughter, Lavinsha Renee Antoine; her great-grandchildren, Tristian Bedford, Stacie Abraham, and Kingston Abraham; and her great-great­ grandchildren, Tyhlahnii and Tremaine. She is also survived by her brothers,James 0.R) {Frances) Bryant of Longs, SC, and Jimmy Bryant {of Tacoma, WA); her sisters, Carolyn {Leotha) Bryant, of Longs, SC Helen {Carver) Wright, Florence, SC and Brenda {Clifford) Bankhead of Little River, SC; one adopted sister, Vernell McDowell; one adopted brother, Joe Chestnut; her aunt, Carrie L. Hemingway, and uncle Charles {Rose) Greene; her dearest friend, Barbara Greene-Hall; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins.

On February 5, 2026, Julia gained her eternal wings and joined her parents, L.R and Enda Bryant; her husband, WillieJohnson; her sister-in-law, Marie Bryant; and the rest of her beloved family who preceded her in death. Her legacy of faith, strength, and love will continue to shine through all who were blessed to know her.

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