Ora Lee Bryant

The Life and Legacy of Ora Lee Bryant

Ora Lee Bryant was born August 19, 1951, in Saginaw, Michigan to Hubert and Leola (Henley) White and was raised by James and Annie Henley. She received her education in Saginaw, Michigan.

Ora filled the shoes of both parents, worked endlessly on multiple jobs to provide for her children while putting emphasis on them enjoying their childhood. Ora unselfishly went without to make sure all of her children’s needs were met. Ora was UNIVERSALLY a great parent!!

Ora moved to Los Angeles in 1983 from Saginaw, Michigan. She joined Christ Centered Apostolic Church under the leadership of the late superintendent Victor A. Thrash (Robert III). She later joined Christian Unity Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Lois Moore-Williams where she remained until her passing. During Ora’s 48 years of service in the church she worked as an usher, secretary, choir member, Sunday school teacher, new members class, dominated the women’s department, baptism pool, cook, cleaned bathrooms, church van driver, and the Evangelist/Minister/ Reverend. The preacher that some called her, no job in the house of the Lord was too big or too small. Ora was employed by Christ Centered Children’s University for 9 years as a cook, van driver daycare worker and more. She then started working at El Camino College in 1991 where she became a supervisor. Ora was a loyal and dedicated employee and received the Woman of Valor award as well as a 24-year service award.

On July 28th, 2023, Ora was called home to be with the Lord after a long battle with her health. Through it all, she never wavered, but was always spiritually mindful of her eternal home in glory with her Savior.

Preceding Ora in death are her parents Hubert and Leola (Henley) White and James (Annie) Henley; brothers and sisters; Herbert White Sr., Jerome Henley, Shirley Palmore, Easter White, Helen White; and her son Dameon Baber.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children Davora Smith, Anthony Mayon (Leontyne), Nicole Mayon (Tarrell Gordon) and Sonya Godfrey (Keith); her grandchildren Naketia Phillips, Mathew Ford (Christal), Shoshaniah Foye, Chaznae Smith (Shamir), Kavon Burnett (Janae), Keison Godfrey (Chanel), Kaleeya Baber (Dondre), Dameon Baber II, Devin Baber, Nicole Brown, Krystena Mayon, Alexis Baber, Kayla Mayon and Kaiah Mayon; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters Robert Henley, Frederick Henley (Janice), Roddie Henley (Charlotte), Mary Jones, Jacqueline Hampton, Elizabeth (Wilman) Stewart, Valerie Doby (Tod) and Trish Richardson.; nieces and nephews which include Kimberly Porter, Lisa Rolands (Mark), Bryan Henley (Christina), Scott Gower (Christine), Jennifer Dubose (Bobby), and Herbert White Jr.; god-children Qianna Epps, James Blackston, Keison Godfrey, Cheree, Tijara Bryant, Donovan and Dontaye Potts; her beloved families at Christian Unity Missionary Baptist Church and El Camino College; and a host of other relatives, friends and loved ones.