Lucie Ann Champagne Bryant was born September 12, 1931, in Albany, New York, and passed away peacefully on April 15th, in Douglas, Georgia, after an extended illness.
The daughter of Ralph and Katherine Champagne, she was the eldest of three children. She graduated from Russell Sage College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. Following her graduation, she served her country as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of Lieutenant (Junior Grade).
While stationed in Washington State, Lucie served as a dietitian at the Naval Hospital in Bremerton, where she met Wendell D. Bryant of Douglas, Georgia. They married and began a life centered on family, faith, and service. Lucie later stepped away from her career to focus on raising their family, while Wendell continued his 22 years of service in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. Their journey took them to many duty stations, from San Diego, Virginia, New York, Rhode Island, and Pensacola, before ultimately settling in Douglas, Georgia, in 1974.
After devoting decades to her family as a homemaker and raising seven children, Lucie returned to the classroom, earning an Associate of Arts degree with a minor in English from South Georgia College. She then reentered the workforce, serving in the administrative office for the Humanities and Developmental Studies Department at the college. In this role, she touched the lives of countless students, offering guidance, encouragement, and genuine care. She gave her whole heart to each person she encountered, and she is fondly remembered for the kindness and support she so freely shared.
Her kindness and dedication to others extended into every aspect of her life. She was a devoted member of St. Paul Catholic Church and an active participant in parish life. She also founded CAROL (Community AIDS-Related Outreach Liaison), named in honor of her daughter, Carol. She was instrumental in bringing a portion of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to Douglas in the Fall of 2000. Her life was a reflection of quiet compassion, faithful service, and deep care for others.
Lucie is survived by her husband of 68 years, Wendell D. Bryant, of Douglas, Georgia; one son, Keith (Gina) Bryant of Asheboro, North Carolina; and five daughters, Kathy Batten (widow of Jerry Batten) of Douglas, Georgia; Anne Peterson (widow of Richard Peterson) of Huffer, Georgia; Mary (Bryan) Preston of Douglas, Georgia; Lucy (Richard) Warren of Kingsland, Georgia; and Sue Farmer of Douglas, Georgia. Eleven grandchildren survive her: Nicole Batten of Atlanta, Georgia; Stella (Grady) Leavens of Douglas, Georgia; Randall (Lori) Peterson of Douglas, Georgia; Erica Green (widow of Aaron Green) of Jefferson, Georgia; Joshua Bryant of Asheboro, North Carolina; Matthew (LiHue) Bryant of Severn, Maryland; Buck Batten of Douglas, Georgia; Chelsea Preston of Douglas, Georgia; Clara (Dustin) Yoder of Jacksonville, Florida; Stephen Warren of Naples, Florida; and Sam Farmer of Douglas, Georgia; as well as 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Carol Bryant Bradway, of Macon, Georgia; her parents, Ralph G. Champagne and Katherine M. Stenard Champagne of Troy, New York; and her two brothers, Keith Champagne and Joseph Champagne, both of Troy, New York.
A funeral mass will be held for Lucie on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Paul Catholic Church with Father Saimel Perdomo officiating. Her family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at a later date at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to one of the following: South Georgia State College Foundation, 100 W. College Park Dr., Douglas, GA 31533, or St. Paul Catholic Church, 4178 Hwy 441 South, Douglas, GA 31535
Condolences, kind words and fond memories may be shared with Lucie’s family at www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com.
Lucie’s arrangements have been entrusted to the kind and compassionate staff of Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc. of Douglas, Georgia.