Cornelia A. Bryant

Cornelia Anne Bryant, 82, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in Staunton. She was born in Tampa, FL, on December 27, 1941.

She graduated from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, where she majored in history and political science. Additionally, Cornelia completed specialized training in economics and foreign languages at the Foreign Service Institute in Washington, D.C.

Cornelia’s professional journey was marked by her service and dedication. She retired in 1991 after years as a foreign service officer with the US Department of State. Her work assignments took her to Ottawa and Vancouver in Canada; Paris, France; Johannesburg, South Africa; Libreville, Gabon; Brussels, Belgium; and Washington, D.C.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Cornelia enjoyed needlework. She was a member of the American Needlepoint Guild and the Embroiderers Guild of America. She enriched her skills at annual winter workshops through the Callaway School of the Needle Arts in Pine Mountain, GA. Her love of traveling led her to new experiences throughout Europe, Africa and Asia where she satisfied her unlimited curiosity for learning.

Cornelia actively participated in the Literary Club of Fredericksburg, sponsored the Young Artists Competition for many years, served as a docent at the historic St. James House, and lent her support to various historic preservation initiatives in Fredericksburg. She was a devoted member of St. George’s Episcopal Church there.

Cornelia is survived by her sisters, Susan Bryant Parrott, Mary Bryant Ewing, and Kathryn V. Bryant and her nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her mother, Francis Sarah Witham Bryant and her sister, Sally Bryant Zdanwic.

The family appreciates the kindness and compassion given Cornelia by her caregivers at Virginia Care Partners in Fredericksburg and from Visiting Angels in Staunton. Jessie Parrott, Sara Hart, Emily Vavpoe, and Rebecca Brannock were special sources of comfort and companionship for Cornelia when she relocated to Staunton.

A service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Staunton on August 30 at 3:00 PM and an additional service will be held in Fredericksburg at a later date.