Mary Catherine Bryant

Mary Catherine Bryant, 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Louisville, Kentucky, surrounded by her loving family on November 5, 2025.

Mary was born on June 15, 1935, in Louisville, Kentucky, to William and Mary Shively and was a lifelong resident of the city. She worked in the lunchroom at Butler High School for over 23 years, where she was known for her friendly smile, hard work, and genuine care for the students and staff she served.

Mary loved to cook and eat—two of her greatest joys in life. Her famous chili was a family favorite, and her all-time favorite meal to enjoy was spaghetti and meatballs. A laid-back and gentle soul, Mary found happiness in life’s simple pleasures: reading, listening to music, and relaxing under her carport with a cup of coffee and her favorite songs playing in the background.

She also loved camping and boating, and many of her fondest memories were made during family trips to Nolin Lake. More than anything, Mary loved being surrounded by her family. She took great pride in cooking for them, caring for them, and creating a home filled with warmth and love. She was the heart of her family and was always looking after everyone else before herself.

Mary is preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Ernest Bryant Sr.; her children, Bruce Bryant and Bonnie Williams; her grandson, Shannon Bryant; her brother, Buddy Isaacs; and her parents, William O. Shively and Mary K. Puckett Shively.

Left to cherish her memory, Mary is survived by her sons, Mike Bryant and Carl Bryant (Kennetha); her grandchildren, Jeremy Bryant (Tiffany), Jessica Bryant (Ricky), and Cody Williams; her great-grandchildren, Casey, Dylan, Hailey, Kinsley, and Jayden; her great-great-grandchildren, Haisleigh and Braylen; and a host of extended family and close friends who will miss her dearly.

Mary’s legacy of love, kindness, and quiet strength will live on through all who knew and loved her.

A funeral service for Mrs. Mary Bryant will be held at 2:00 PM, on November 13, 2025, at Louisville Memorial Gardens Funeral Home West, 4400 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow the funeral service at Louisville Memorial Gardens West.