Obituary

Mary Jane Helms Bryan

November 13, 1941 - March 9, 2025

Ms. Mary Bryan, age 83, passed away at her residence in Bogalusa, LA on March 9, 2025. She was born in Barbour County, AL, on November 13, 1941, to Talcum Helms Sr. and Willie Mae Pippin Helms, 

Mary and her husband Lamar owned and operated B&B tools of Louisiana for more than twenty years.  Mary ran Bryan Grill and Ice Cream shop, she worked at the Movie Star in Poplarville, MS, and American Fabrics in Bogalusa, LA, and also Super Five and Ten.  She was even noted for turning down a secretarial position for George Wallace.  Mary was a square-dancing enthusiast and loved her Blue Grass family and friends.  

Ms. Bryan is preceded in death by her husband James Lamar Bryan, parents, Talcum Helms Sr. and Willie Mae Pippin Helms, and a brother Talcum Helms Jr.  

Mary is survived by her sons Chris Lamar Bryan, and Phillip Anthony Bryan, a daughter Angelia Christine Bryan Pounds, a sister Marie Pennington, grandchildren Harrison Lamar Pounds, Hayden Michael Pounds, and Harlie Mariena Pounds, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.   

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 14, 2024, at 2:00p.m. at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10:00a.m. The Rev. Caleb Lewis will officiate the service and interment will take place at Garden of Memory, in Headland, AL, with a graveside service at 12:00 Noon on Monday, March 17, 2025. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tim Hathorn, Johnny Morris, Wayne Turnage, and Sammy Matheny.