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 Della Batts | Daily Herald Vernon Bryant and his wife, Sandra, share a laugh during Monday’s celebration of Vernon’s career. He is retiring from the N.C. Community Corrections. More than 200 people gathered to honor Bryant. |
Bryant is well known for the saying “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything,” and according to friends, family and co-workers he lived by the adage in his professional and personal life.
Bryant has worked in the N.C. Correctional System for the past 30 years, beginning his tenure in 1981 as a court intake officer. During that time, he made many friends who respect and admire him to this day. Since that time he served as a probation/parole officer I and II, intensive officer, chief probation/parole officer and finally the judicial district manager in July, 2001.
He was officer of the year in 1999, and recognized as finalist in 2008 for the Dr. John R. Larkins Legacy award for human service and race relations.
He served as member to the N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, North Carolina Probation/Parole Association and member of the Criminal Justice Partnership Program Advisory Board.
To say he is retiring is not entirely the truth. He may be leaving the Correctional System, but he’s still a member of more boards and civic organizations than you can shake a stick at. Halifax Regional Medical Center, Halifax Community College, President of Exodus, Church Deacon, and Roanoke Rapids Graded School District School Board all express their gratitude for his service to the community.
His wife, Sandra said with all his interests, she’s not worried about him being under foot after retirement, but if nothing else, she has “honey do” list for him that’s been piling up for some time.
School Superintendent Dennis Sawyer said, “We’re so happy for him and his family. We wish him the best.”
Dr. Stanley Edwards chairman to the board of trustees at Halifax Community College said, “Congratulations on his retirement. We’re looking forward to him joining us in the daily exercise club every morning. He knows what I’m talking about.”
Halifax County Commissioner Vice Chair Charles Pierce said, “We wish him well. There’s a lot of work to do. I’m looking forward to him joining me and getting busy doing it.”
Judge Alfred Kwasikpui, a longtime friend and one of the co-founders of Exodus, along with Bryant, enthusiastically shared with everyone how Bryant’s co-workers saw him in a very different light from his friends. While he was praised for his organizational skills, co-workers expressed concerns he might experience withdrawals from Post-it notes. So, Kwasikpui gave him a pair of sunglasses covered in “Post- it” notes.
He also said he found out Bryant, though known as a perfect gentleman, had a habit of saying, “That just cooks my grits,” when frustrated. “I do say that sometimes!” confirmed Bryant.
Judge Kwasikpui then presented Bryant with a bowl of grits (he’d cooked earlier), and said “That’s the last time your grits get cooked,” to the delight of the audience.
Sheriff Jeff Frazier took the podium and said, “You might think I’m here today just because I’m the Sheriff, but I’m not. I’m not here by accident. I grew up with Vernon,” Laughter filled the room as Frazier shared incidents of growing up and working with Bryant. “We’ve been friends forever,” he said, which Bryant confirmed. “We did everything together,” said Frazier. “To say he is my friend is a great honor.”
More jokes and fond memories were shared at the honorary luncheon than there was time for, and the event that was originally scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. lasted well after 3 p.m. as friend after friend stepped forward to speak kind words. Resounding in each message were well wishes, gratitude, admiration and the hope that they’d have the opportunity to spend more time with him once he retired. Many reminded him he was only retiring from the correctional system.
Master of Ceremonies Tom Bazemore finally stepped to the microphone and informed Bryant’s friends he would have to cut them short. “Vernon,” he said, “I have no doubt that if we stayed here long enough, every person in this place would stand up and say something … and I don’t blame them!”
While Bryant was honored by the words of his friends, there were many awards and presentations bestowed on him as well. Representatives Michael Wray, Angela Bryant, Lucy Allen and Senator Edward Jones presented Bryant with the Long Leaf Pine Award, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a North Carolina Citizen.
Congressman G.K. Butterfield had his name entered into the Congressional Record for his exemplary work in his career and the community.
Division 6 retired his badge. He received the Old North State award for performance beyond expectations. The awards and presentations lined the stage behind Bryant’s seat and spanned from one end to the other.
Not to be left out, Bryant’s children Kendel and Kevin Bryant presented memories of Bryant’s accomplishments. Three decades of newspaper clippings, newsletters and announcements flashed on the big screen. He and his wife Sandra wiped away tears as Kendel shared an emotional expression of her pride for her father. “Daddy always put God first, family second and others third. He was a wonderful role model for us,” she said.
Finally, it was Bryant’s turn to address his friends. He had each group or individual stand as he thanked them for the opportunities they’d provided him. He thanked them for their friendship. He thanked them for being there for him.
In an interview, Sandra shared what a wonderful husband Bryant has been. She gleamed as she talked about his accomplishments, what a wonderful person she sees him as, and how much she loves him. “Since we were dating, he’s worked two jobs. He’s been a wonderful provider. I’m blessed and happy he has this chance to do some of the things he wants to do now,” she said. “It’s time for him to be a little bit selfish, because he’s the most giving person I know.”
When asked if there was something she wanted to make sure was included in this tribute, the tears welled in her eyes, then she smiled. “I love him very much,” she said.
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