Alma Jane Essman Bryant, 85, of Sparta, formerly of Visalia, California, passed away July 16, 2021, at her residence.
Mrs. Bryant was born May 28, 1936, in Winters, Texas, to Edward Payne and Ophilia Crider Stephens.
She was retired from the Tulare County Sheriff Department, in Visalia, California. Mrs. Bryant also worked part-time for the Visalia Police Department. She was voted "Woman of Year" from the American Business Women’s Association. Mrs. Bryant was also a part-time bookkeeper for the Addiction Center for Teens. She was a Girl Scout Leader and enjoyed bowling, dancing, music, traveling, and lived a very active life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Omer F. Essman; stepson, Terry Bryant; stepdaughter, Angie Varga; and several brothers and sisters.
Survivors include her husband, Randall R. Bryant, of Sparta; son, Ray Essman and son-in-law Tony Foster, of Sparta; stepson, Randall W. Bryant, of San Antonio, Texas; two daughters, Freida Martinez, of Sparta, Annette Essman, of Visalia, California; 35 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and best friend and family member, Codi.
Funeral service was 10 a.m., July 20, 2021, at Hunter Funeral Home, with burial in Saylors Cemetery. Sparta Police Chief Doug Goff officiated.
Pallbearers were Ray Essman, Tony Foster, Randy Bryant, Jonathan Martinez, Joseph Martinez, and Kameron Martinez.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
