Dovie C. Bryant

Dovie was born in Duplin County, NC, October 7, 1922, where she spent her early years with her parents Rayford and Myrtle Cavanaugh, her sister Billie Cavanaugh Simpkins, and her brother Donald Cavanaugh.  She graduated from Chinquapin High School, and after marriage to Robert Connelly moved to Reevesville, SC, where she raised her children, Delores Connelly McAlister and Bob Connelly.  She relocated to Wallace, NC, where she married Bill Bryant and shared 21 wonderful years together.  They raised Nicole McAlister as a second daughter and later moved to Summerville to be closer to Delores.

Dovie enjoyed a very successful hair styling career in both Reevesville and Wallace and cared deeply for all those she served providing counsel and prayer for them as needed.  Through that profession, working long and hard hours, she was able to send two children to college and provide for her household.

Dovie's close walk with Jesus was expressed in her words written the evening before her illness stating that "In my 88 years. I never felt like God ever left me. Jesus was by my side through it all".

As a dedicated Christian, she was active in her service at Old Fort Baptist Church and was a true "prayer warrior" for those in need.  She read devotions daily and gave thanks for all God's blessings.  She gave praise in song as a member of the Joy Singers Senior Adult Choir.  She began to crochet again, a talent learned from an earlier age, and enjoyed wonderful fellowship with those in the group and the ministry provided by the hats and scarves they made.

Living in the home with her daughters, she enjoyed reading, gardening, singing, painting, writing poetry, shopping, and watching old movies with family members.  Dovie loved to work and stay busy, and in all things exhibited a unique style of her own.  Her poetry reflects on her early years, the joys of her life, and her love for Jesus.  A favorite painting she did that hung above her bed is of her Grandfather Jacob Cavanaugh's home place and farm where she was born. She wrote and told stories of those early years when life was hard, but through the love of her parents, whom she missed dearly, and God's help, they prevailed.

She loved her family and friends dearly, prayed for their care and rejoiced in their accomplishments.  She will be greatly missed by her children, her grandchildren David McAlister, Angela McAlister Belliveau, Christopher Connelly, and Cameron Connelly, and her great grandchildren, Aaron McAlister, Will McAlister, Megan McAlister, and Michael Belliveau.  Her love will be remembered by all the family and others she touched along the way.   Her final words were "tell my children, my grandchildren and all I love them very much".

Dovie found comfort in reading God's word, and Jeremiah 15:16 had special significance for her.  "Your words are what sustain me.  They bring me great joy and are my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty."      Jeremiah 15:16  NL

Funeral services will be conducted at Old Fort Baptist Church June 30, 2011, at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service; and First Baptist of Wallace, NC, Friday, July 1, 2011 at 11:00 am with a visitation one hour prior.  Interment to follow at Riverview Cemetery, Wallace, NC. 

Arrangements are by J. HENRY STUHR, INC. NORTHWOODS CHAPEL.