Kaye Bryant
DESCRIBE YOUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
In my early years, I served as president of Oxford PTA and president of the Black School PTA. With both principals, we planned the integration of Oxford schools. I led the push to have police hire the first woman on the force and to get Oxford water fluoridated. I headed the Census of 1970 and served as president of the University Dames. I served as county chairman of the Republican party and the State Executive Committee, as well as serving as a delegate to the 1972 National Republican Convention. However, the Republican party no longer represents my views.
I served as president of the Northeast Realtors, and was named Realtor of the Year and Woman of Achievement Oxford BP&W. In my later years, I have served as chair of the Lafayette County Forestry Association and of the State Forestry Commission. I received the award of Outstanding Service in Forestry. I’ve also served on the boards of YAC, Museums, Thacker Mountain Radio, Friends of Friends of the Parks-South Cumberland and Savage Gulf. I’m a member of Rotary and a Paul Harris Fellow.
I’m a licensed landscape designer and an actor for Oxford Theatre, whose favorite role has been “Clairee” in Stee Magnolias. In addition to teaching Sunday School at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, I’m also a senior warden there. I’ve been a grandmaster storyteller twice and a facilitator of the contemplative study group.
HOW I KNEW THIS WAS MY PASSION
My father always taught me the importance of giving back to the community. Oxford and Ole Miss have been so good to me and my family that I felt compelled to give back.
BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED
My father always said to me, “Don’t forget who you are and where you came from.”
BEST LIFE CHOICE/MOMENT SO FAR
Marrying Buford Bryant in 1995, only to lose him in 1997. But those two years were the best of my life.
NONPROFIT I WISH I KNEW MORE ABOUT
I wish people knew more about the Boys and Girls Club.
Hometown: I was born in Thaxton, but moved to Oxford when I was 2. Oxford is where I was raised and schooled. Oxford is where I was formed.
I can’t start my day until: Coffee; letting my little dog, Archie, out; and my one-hour workout on either the treadmill or the stationary bike.
Hobbies: Reading, walking, playing with Archie, spending time with my family
Binge-watch: ”Yellowstone” and any English mystery
Last Good Read: The Joseph O’Laughlin series by Michael Robotham
Favorite Meal in Town: The Veggie Burger with sweet potato fries at Proud Larry’s
