Carolyn S. Bryant

Carolyn Bryant, age 82, of Athens, passed away on October 19, 2025, in Florida.

Carolyn was born on April 21, 1943, in Jefferson County, Illinois, near Darville, the daughter of Melvin and Mildred (Milner) Hamlin.

She married William Bryant on August 20, 1961, at the Athens Christian Church. He preceded her in death on August 2, 2016.

Mourning her passing are her children, William “Bill” Allen (wife Debbie), Marla Sue Lewis (partner Jim), and Cathy Bryant; two grandchildren, Alexander Bryant and Clayton Lewis; and two brothers, Gary Hamlin and Wendell (wife Diana) Hamlin.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Kenneth Hamlin.

Carolyn graduated from Athens High School in 1961. She was a lifelong member of Athens Christian Church and an avid bowler for many years. Carolyn dearly loved dogs and was known for her kind and gentle spirit.

She worked at Franklin Life Insurance Company in Springfield and later owned and operated a group daycare. Her love for children led her to become a school bus driver for the Athens School District, a position she held with pride and dedication since 1970.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 31, 2025, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.