Mrs. Alma Jane Essman Bryant, age 85 of Sparta, formerly of Visalia, California passed away Friday, July 16, 2021 at her residence.  She was born May 28, 1936 in Winters, Texas to the late Edward Payne and Ophilia Crider Stephens.  She was also preceded in death by her first husband: Omer F.  Essman, a step-son: Terry Bryant, step-daughter: Angie Varga along with several brothers and sisters.

She was retired from the Tulare County Sheriff's Department in Visalia, California. There, she also worked part-time for the Visalia Police Department.  She was voted "Woman of Year" from the American Business Womens Association. She was also a part-time bookkeeper for the Addiction Center for Teens.

Mrs. Bryant was a Girl Scout Leader and enjoyed bowling, dancing, music, traveling and lived a very active life.

She is survived by her husband:  Randall R. Bryant of Sparta

Son:  Ray Essman & Son-in-law Tony Foster of Sparta

Step-son: Randall W. Bryant of San Antonio, Texas

2 Daughers:  Freida Martinez of Sparta and Annette Essman of Visalia, California

35 Grandchildren and 23 Great-Grandchildren

Best Friend and Family Member: Codi

FUNERAL SERVICE will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, July 20, 2021 in the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in the Saylors Cemetery.  Sparta Police Chief Doug Goff will officiate the services.

Serving as Pallbearers:  Ray Essman, Tony Foster, Randy Bryant, Jonathan Martinez, Joseph Martinez, and Kameron Martinez