Della Frances Bryant, age 81, passed peacefully from this life on February 9, 2023.  Della was born January 26, 1942, in Chicago, IL to George Cato and Helen (Laurent) Cato.

Della was a dedicated and loving stay-at-home mom until 1979 when she went back to school and received her Nursing Diploma and started practicing as a registered nurse.  She started her nursing career at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur IL. She moved to Shreveport, LA in 1984 where she worked for the VA Hospital. In 1989, Fran received the "Hands and Heart Award" at the VA Hospital. This award was given to a direct patient care nurse that performed above and beyond the call of duty, consistently exercised professional expertise, and provided emotional support, help & guidance to patients.  She then completed her Bachelor of Nursing degree in May of 1994.  She was well thought of in the nursing field and ended her career in charge of hospital government regulation compliance.

On January 30, 1986, she married William Bryant Jr. in Shreveport, LA.  They lived there for many years although not in one house for too long.  They moved about every 3 years; at least 8 to 9 homes within 28 years before she moved to Destin, FL after her husband passed and finally moved to Bartlett, TN in February 2021.

During Della's life she got a lot of enjoyment from traveling the world.  She and her husband took many cruises and trips to places including Germany, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Egypt, Alaska, and Mexico.  They also purchased an RV and traveled to various places in the states; the favorite of which was to multiple NASCAR races in which they met some good friends.

Della was not a dog lover early in life, although her kids finally conned her into getting an outdoor dog. However, later in life she had a small dog named Buddy that she cherished.  She even built and donated a dog park at a previous apartment complex where she lived.

Della is survived by her children Brian (Tammy)Dawson, Robert Bryant, Tanya Wells and Brenda Lewis, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.  Della was proceeded in death by her husband William Bryant Jr.

In memory of Fran, if you wish to make donations please consider the Wounded Warriors Project or St Jude Children's Hospital, her favorite charities.

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