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Ophelia Bryant, age 89, transitioned on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo. She was born in Beulah, Mississippi on July 4th, 1936 to the late Forest and Lucilla House. She gave her life to the Lord Jesus Christ and immersed herself in the Christian community. The family relocated to Detroit, lived in Oakdale Gardens Project Homes where Ophelia made numerous lifelong friends including Mattie Rutherford, Katie Taylor Yarbourough, Kitty Agee Durant, Faye Turner and Shirley Catrell-Perry. Later attending Northern College.
A marriage to Robert Ledsinger in 1956 begot Reginald Ledsinger. The couple divorced years later. Ophelia and Reggie moved to Chicago, where she worked at Evans, met and married Carl Bryant. To that union was born Carla Bryant. In 1973 Ophelia and both children moved to Three Rivers, where Ophelia raised her children, went to Glen Oaks Community College, and ascended to the position of Senior Clerk in the Engineering Department of American Electric Power.
Ophelia was active in her community; she attended Grant Chapel where she was on the Usher Board, Steward Board, Trustee and Church Treasurer. She was a member of the local NAACP; 4th ward Voter Registration Chairperson; and Tutor and Travel Coordinator with the We Care Program. Ophelia was a member of the Free Will Ladies Travel Club where she served as the Business Manager.
Ophelia was a Foster Parent for the State of Michigan caring for numerous children of color who were separated from their birth families. She oversaw the care and welfare of her Aunt Delia Mason until her death. Ophelia also spent many years providing loving care for her daughter Carla who preceded her in death, leaving her daughter Harper Ophelia’s care.
Ophelia was also preceded in death by her parents Forest and Lucilla House, her treasured sisters Dorothy, Ann, Mary, and Irene. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory her son Reginald Ledsinger, granddaughters Toccara and Harper, great grandson Clarence and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A visitation will be held Friday, August 8, 2025 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A celebration of her life will follow at 1:00 with Pastor Tony Bennett officiating. She will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.
