Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in the Mortimer National Funeral Home Chapel in Grenada for Watt O’Bryant, 94, of Grenada, who died on Tuesday, Nov. 26, in Jackson following an accident at his residence. Burial followed in Grenada Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Bro. James McElroy officiated. Visitation was held from noon until service time on Saturday, Nov. 30, at Mortimer National Funeral Home.
Watt was born on Dec. 14, 1929, in Cleveland. He grew up in the rural Delta during the challenging years of the Great Depression. The eldest son of the late William Arnold O’Bryant and the late Annie Lois Kendall O’Bryant, he learned the values of hard work, resilience and family at a young age.
In his early years, Watt worked tirelessly as a sharecropper and farm laborer to support his mother, care for his ailing father and help his many siblings in their extended, blended family. His commitment to others became a defining feature of his life.
Watt proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, exemplifying courage and dedication. Upon his return, he faced personal tragedy when his first wife, Carolyn Goldman O’Bryant, passed away, leaving him to raise their young daughter, Deborah Ann. Watt later married Emily Catherine Thomas. Together, they built a life together, raising two more daughters, Sherry Lynn and Lily Catherine.
Watt worked for decades as a mechanic with the Mississippi Department of Transportation Highway Department, retiring only to continue lending his skills to local businesses in the Grenada area. A man who believed in serving his community, he was an active member of the Civitan Club, proudly placing American flags around the city for special occasions.
Faith was central to Watt’s life. He worshipped in several churches in the Cascilla and Rosebloom communities before becoming a lifelong Presbyterian following the faith of his wife, Catherine.
In addition to his parents and his first wife, Carolyn, his beloved second wife, Catherine, and several brothers and sisters, preceded Watt in death.
Survivors include, his wife, Shirley O’Bryant of Grenada; his three daughters: Debbi O’Bryant of Grenada, Sherry Worsham (Gary) of Grenada and Lily Oswalt (Dewayne) of Heber Springs, Ark.; one sister, Effie Ruth O’Bryant Scott of Texas; three grandchildren, Chelsea Vickery (Gemma), Emmy Vickery and Charlie Worsham (Kristen) and five great grandchildren, who brought him great joy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Grace Presbyterian Church, 2150 Country Club Rd., Grenada, MS 38901.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.nfhgrenada.com
Mortimer National Funeral Home in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
