Louise Hobart Bryant

Published 6:03 pm Thursday, August 2, 2018

Louise Hobart Bryant, 74, of Dillwyn entered into eternal rest on July 30.

Louise Hobart Bryant

Lou was born on August 11, 1943 in Richmond, although she would be sure to specify that she grew up in Henrico County.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David F. Hobart and Margaret G. Hobart. Lou is survived by her brother, David Bruce Hobart and his wife, Janie; her husband of 54 years, Dr. J. Cary Bryant; her daughter, Dr. Kathleen B. Seiler and her husband, Dr. Joseph S. Seiler, and their two children, Brandon Scott Seiler and Ashley Grace Seiler; and her daughter, Mary B. Shoemaker and her husband, Col Mark A. Shoemaker (USAF), and their two children, Lauren Elizabeth Shoemaker and Emma Katherine Shoemaker.

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Lou graduated from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. After graduating, she taught Biology and Earth Science in Henrico County. Although Lou was raised in Henrico County, once she moved to Buckingham in 1967 to help Cary start his dental practice, she never wanted to leave. She worked with her husband, Dr. Bryant from the day they opened the doors for a total of 51 years, having the pleasure of welcoming her daughter, Kathleen and her husband Joseph to the practice.

She loved the people of Buckingham County and wanted to make the county better. She was instrumental in helping bring the dream of a Buckingham County Public Library to life. Lou was very active with the Buckingham County Women’s Club and served as the president for two years.

Church and music were both passions of Lou’s. After moving to Buckingham County and joining Maysville Presbyterian Church, Lou soon began playing the organ at Maysville. She played the organ almost every Sunday since June 22, 1969 until July 29, 2018. Lou also served several terms as an Elder at Maysville.

Lou’s love of animals of all kinds was clear to all who knew her. She was known for rescuing lost and sick animals. Over her life, she has had horses, cows, dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, fish, a goat, and even a wild Blue Jay that fell out of his nest and she nursed back to health. Her gift with animals was almost magical in nature. Animals seemed to know that the Bryant house was a safe haven and they flocked to it. No animal that arrived on Lou’s doorstep was turned away.

Lou was a wonderful wife and mother. She used her creative talents of sewing and needle crafts to brighten her husband’s, children’s, and grandchildren’s lives. She created handmade decorations for Cary’s dental practice, she made clothes for the entire family, knitted booties and hats for her grandchildren, and even made her children and grandchildren their own special pillowcases with a pocket for the Tooth Fairy. Lou also wrote several children’s stories.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 4 at 2 p.m. at Maysville Presbyterian Church in Buckingham Courthouse, with a family visitation to follow.

Flowers may be sent to the church. Donations may be made in Lou’s name to the Buckingham County Public Library, Maysville Presbyterian Church and the Buckingham County Rescue Squad.