Sandra Lee Gainey Bryant, 77, passed away on June 21, 2023 with her family by her side.  

She was born January 11, 1946 to Ellis Cleon Gainey and Lillian Clark Gainey. She was born in Petersburg, Virginia where she lived most of her younger years and later moved to the Burwell’s Bay Area of Smithfield where she met and married her husband, William R. Bryant “Billy”, Sr. Burwell’s Bay was where her family owned two cottages and spent weekends and summers on the James River. A place she loved even to her death. 

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband Billy. She is survived by her daughter, Sheila Bryant Epperley (David), son William R. Bryant, Jr. “RB/Ronnie” (Sheila); grandchildren, Jeremy Epperley (Ashley), Lauren Epperley Florian (Adam), Ellis Bryant, Emmie Bryant and Evvie Bryant; great grandchildren, Tanner Florian, Melanie Epperley, Layla Florian and Lacey Florian; a sister, Linda Gainey (Lanford Pritchett); a host of nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. 

Sandra was a faithful attender of Mill Swamp Baptist Church until January 2023 when her health began to fail. Her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved sitting under the tree at the beach and catching up with old friends. She was a fan of Elvis music! Mom was always there for her family. She was the matriarch of our family and always an extra pair of hands when needed. We will greatly miss her. 

A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 24, 11:00 am at Mill Swamp Baptist Church Cemetery; Billy Gardner will be officiating. The family will receive friends at Mill Swamp Baptist Church on Friday, June 23 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the church. The family will gather at Sandra’s home, 12002 Burwells Bay Road, Smithfield. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Transportation fund of Mill Swamp Baptist Church, 6329 Mill Swamp Rd, Ivor, VA 23866. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.