Bessie Lou (Haynes) Bryant (1924 - 2018)

Born 23 Apr 1924 in Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Florida

Died 3 Apr 2018 at age 93 in Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Florida

Biography

Bessie Lou Haynes Bryant was born 23 Apr 1924 and passed away 3 Apr 2018. Bessie Lou Haynes Bryant is interred at Lt. Carl Bailey Cemetary located in Punta Gorda, Florida.   

Bessie is portrayed in a mural at the Baker Center https://puntagordamurals.org/murals/local-black-history/ The Supreme Court outlawed segregation in 1954 (Brown v Board of Education), but Florida, for the most part, was in no hurry to comply. After graduating Baker Academy, Charlotte County Black students were bussed to Dunbar High School in Fort Myers to complete their education. In 1962, a group of local Black leaders, led by Bessie Bryant, formed a committee to address the busing of students outside the county and lobbied the Charlotte County school board for a better solution. On September 3rd, 1963, five hand-selected Black students walked through the doors of Charlotte High School, starting the desegregation of the county’s schools.

Obituary: Bessie Bryant was known as “Bessie Lou” and “Roni” by her family members. She was born on April 23, 1924, in Punta Gorda, Florida, to the late the Rev. Willie and Annie Haynes. Her biggest achievement was during the time of desegregation for schools; she led the fight for the rights of blacks to attend Charlotte High School. Life came to an end April 3, 2018. She is survived by six devoted children; 21 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; one sister; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Sources

• Monumental inscription. Lt. Carl Bailey Cemetary, Punta Gorda, Florida.

3 Apr 2018 (b. 23 Apr 1924) Bryant, Bessie Lou. Photographed by: Bentley-7775 : taken <25 Feb 2024>. Find a Grave 188772215