Katherine Elizabeth Bryant Pintea's Obituary
Katherine Elizabeth Bryant Pintea, 67, of Locust, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, at her home. A visitation will be held at a time to be announced.
Born May 7, 1958, in Atlanta, Georgia, Katherine was the daughter of the late James Thomas Bryant and Frances Jane Bell Bryant. She was formerly employed with Weyerhaeuser, Lance, and Compass Foods.
Katherine will be remembered as a caring, fun-loving free spirit with a great sense of humor and a deep love for life. She adored her cats, but nothing brought her greater joy than being "Nana." Being Nana was one of her proudest roles, and she embraced it wholeheartedly-showering her grandchildren with love, attention, and laughter. Nana treasured every moment spent with them, whether sitting poolside watching them play or simply being present.
Music was a constant companion throughout her life. She was a devoted fan of Stevie Nicks, Heart, and the Atlanta Rhythm Section. Her brother David fondly recalled riding in her car during their younger years, listening to 8-track tapes blaring loudly as they drove-memories filled with music and joy.
She had a sweet tooth and a fondness for Coca-Cola, sweet tea, and Chick-fil-A, where she worked her very first job as a young woman at the mall. She always made sure her son's birthdays were special and never hesitated to splurge on shoes for her sons. Family stories were plentiful, including one David often shared about the children jumping up and down on the bed while Grandma watched-until the bed springs finally gave way.
Her sister Becki shared a cherished childhood memory of the special bond they shared. When Katherine and Becki came down with chicken pox at the same time, their mother moved the television into their bedroom so they could watch scary movies together while quarantined-turning an uncomfortable time into one filled with laughter, closeness, and lifelong memories.
Katherine had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found peace in her garden, among her flowers and wind chimes. Nana especially loved being outside with her grandchildren, watching them by the pool and creating memories they will carry forever. She also enjoyed riding horses and spending time surrounded by nature.
Her husband, Gary, gave her the grounding companionship she had searched for throughout her life. Katherine loved unconditionally, and when she loved, she loved fiercely. She was a good judge of character and offered genuine warmth and acceptance to those around her. As Nana, she gave freely of her heart and made everyone feel deeply loved.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Pintea; her son, Van Sustar (Eleanor) of Charlotte; her stepson, Matthew Pintea (Elizabeth) of Stanfield; three siblings, David Bryant (Miriam) of Pittsboro, Becki Seymour (Brian) of Douglasville, Georgia, and Steve Bryant (Tara) of Peachland, North Carolina; and her three beloved grandchildren, Harleigh Sustar, Van Sustar IV, and Savannah Pintea, who knew her lovingly as Nana.
Katherine's life was filled with love, laughter, music, and devotion to family. Her legacy-especially her cherished role as Nana-will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
The family will receive friends on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust from 4 until 6 PM. Her cremated remains will be inurned at Saint Matthews Catholic Church in Charlotte at a later date.
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