JULIA LYNETTA BRYANT, lovingly known to all as “Netta”, was born in Brunswick, Georgia, on Friday, December 13, 1946, to the late Jasper and Verdell Bryant. She peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on Sunday, August 24, 2025, in Gulfport, Mississippi, doing exactly what she loved, in a place where her heart was most at peace. Julia was a proud graduate of Risley High School, class of 1964. At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and became a devoted member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. There, she served faithfully in the Kitchen Ministry and supported various church tribes, always willing to lend her hands and her heart. Julia had a special gift for cooking, and she delighted in experimenting with new recipes, especially cakes, which became her signature joy to share with family and friends. After high school, Julia relocated to New York City, where she began a new chapter of her life. She was employed at the iconic Bloomingdale’s Flagship Store in Manhattan as a store detective. Her dedication, integrity, and warm spirit allowed her to build lasting friendships and meaningful relationships over her 20-year career there.
In 1976, Julia met and married Myron Tonge, and to this union, a son was born, Myron Jarrod Tonge. She was also the mother of Latanya B. Chipp, who sadly preceded her in death in 1968. After some years, Julia made the heartfelt decision to leave New York and return home to Brunswick, Georgia, recognizing that it was a better place to raise her child. Upon her return, she embarked on another two decades of meaningful service, working with the Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Head Start Program, where she touched countless lives, formed lifelong friendships, and became “family” to many. It was also during this season of life that Julia met the love of her life, Mr. Wiggins Gibbons, and through that union, her heart expanded to embrace six more children as her own: Carlet Howard (John), Jerome Harris, Amethyst Carter (Rick), Aridth Gibbons (Tymikia), and Audrey Harris (John). Julia’s home and heart were always open, and her family circle grew continuously through both blood and love.
Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Verdell W. Bryant and Jasper Bryant; beloved sister, Elizabeth “Liz” Harris (Clarence); brother, Nathaniel “Tweet” Williams (Brenda); precious niece, Pamela Bryant (Arthur); and dear daughter, Latanya B. Chipp.
She leaves behind to cherish her memories: her devoted sister, Lizzie Mae Mungin; son, Myron Jarrod Tonge; bonus children; nephews, Kendall Mungin, Quincy Mungin (Janine), Kendrick Mungin, and Tyrone Williams (Rena); nieces, Quiyana Williams, Deneitra Hunter, and Alicia Mungin; great-nieces and nephews, Niay, Kalaysia, Kendell, Kenz’li, Arianna, Kayden, Jeremih, Jamonte, Darius, Dijah, Tynia, Karyee, Tyrell, and Tyrin; and a number of devoted cousins including Clarence and Ruth Stewart, Elaine, James, and Verdell. Beyond her biological family, Julia’s life was richly blessed with a host of special friends and “adopted children”, whose names are too many to fully capture but whose love and loyalty were deeply treasured. Among them are Glordia Spaulding, Ramona Eberhart, LaVerne Cooper, Cleave Nobiles, Lionel Jones, Sonya Bryant, Lila Hillary, Adel Tyson, Ronnie, Peggie and Terry, Ann Golden, Bill and Diana Nevins, Nita and Karen Sims, Raj Patel, Porter Robinson, and so many more who filled her days with joy, laughter, and companionship.
Julia’s legacy is one of faith, love, hospitality, and generosity. She was the glue that bound her family and friends together, always making room for one more at the table, always ready with a story, a smile, or a slice of cake. Her life was a testimony of service—to God, to her family, and to her community. She will be remembered not only for the roles she played—as daughter, sister, mother, aunt, cousin, and friend—but for the way she made people feel loved, welcomed, and seen. Her presence was a blessing, and though she has departed this earthly life, the seeds she planted will continue to bloom in the lives of all who were touched by her kindness. Julia “Netta” Bryant’s light will forever shine in the hearts of those who knew her, and her memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration for generations to come.
