Watt O’Bryant

December 14, 1929 – November 26, 2024

Watt O’Bryant, age 94, of Grenada, Mississippi, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the University Medical Center in Jackson, following an accident at his home. Born on December 14, 1929, in Cleveland, Mississippi, Watt grew up in the rural Delta during the challenging years of the Great Depression. The eldest son of William Arnold O’Bryant and 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 U.S. 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.

Watt was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Carolyn; his beloved second wife, Catherine; and several brothers and sisters.

He is survived by 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, Arkansas; his 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.

Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Mortimer National Funeral Home, with the funeral service immediately following at 2 p.m. in the Mortimer Chapel, officiated by Bro. James McElroy. Burial will be at Grenada Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Grace Presbyterian Church, 2150 Country Club Road, Grenada, MS 38901.

Mortimer National Funeral Home is honored to assist the O’Bryant family during this time.