Elmore Bryant, 90, lifelong educator, businessman, and community activist passed away suddenly at 2nd West Baptist Association on Pennsylvania Avenue, Wednesday evening, October 2, 2024. An energetic, passionate, and caring man, Elmore was highly regarded by many in this area and through the state. His absence will be felt intensely by all who worked with him toward making the world a better place.

Born September 26, 1934 to Arthur and Lillie Bryant, Elmore spent much time with his maternal grandparents, Archie and Rosetta Myrick. Their teachings and wisdom stayed with him his entire life, and he delighted in sharing his childhood memories about life with them.

Mr. Bryant was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Archie and Rosetta Myrick, his father and mother, Arthur and Lillie Bryant. A son, Elmore Calvin Bryant, also predeceased him.

Having lived a full and productive life, Elmore leaves to cherish his precious memory: his loving wife of 66 years, Eulice Jean (Thomas) Bryant and their two sons, Wayne Lamar Bryant of Panama City, FL and Paul Arthur Bryant (Monica Masias, fiancé) of Orlando, FL. Two sisters also survive: Annie Gibson (the late Reuben Gibson), their sons Leon (Shirley, and children Lana, Lynetta, and Reuben) and a deceased son Fletcher and wife (Alonzetta, also deceased, and sons Brandon and Jason); Rosie McKay (the late Roy McKay) and their daughter Adrian Denise and her daughter Jayden Sorey; a granddaughter, Shaneka Gardner; grandsons, Bryson Bryant, Cameron Bryant, Cayden Bryant and Nickolas Masias; great grandchildren, De’Unna Gonzalez, Symari Gonzalez, Chrishaunna Dawson, Khrisalyn Dawson , great- great grandchildren, Kingston Rhynes, Kynleigh Rhynes; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Elmore graduated with the Class of 1953 of Jackson County Training School. In 1957, he earned his Bachelors of Education degree from Florida Memorial College in Miami. Inducted as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, he made friendships which have endured for a lifetime.

Returning to Marianna, he began a distinguished teaching /coaching career in Jackson County at St. Paul High School near Campbellton. Following that, he returned to Jackson County Training School and then taught at Cottondale, Marianna, and Marianna Middle schools for 30 years. Upon retiring, he began a 10-year span for Washington County Schools. In recognition of his dedication and motivational skills, he was named Teacher of the Year for Jackson and Washington Counties. As he taught, he continued his education at FSU and Troy University in administrative studies. Highly sought as a motivational speaker, he often traveled both in and out of state to make presentations.

In addition to his teaching career, Elmore, along with his brothers-in-law, established Bryant Enterprises and operated the first Black owned service station in Marianna. He established the Jackson County Minority Business Association, the local Habitat for Humanity, and Chipola Rainbow Home Builders, a non- profit construction entity. Improvement of the West End was one of his passions and commanded much of his attention.

Converted at an early age, Elmore joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and promoter in a variety of supportive roles and church programs.

Always concerned about progress in the schools and opportunities for youth, Elmore devoted much time toward improving activities for young people. He was the first Black named as a head football/basketball coach at Cottondale High School. He distinguished himself as excellent coach in the field of sports competition. It was he who spearheaded the summer swimming program to afford Black children a means to learn to swim. This later became part of the summer recreational program for all youth.

A young man with courage, he could be counted upon to brave the controversy which sometimes brewed when social or economic progress was made. Determined and optimistic, he could not be deterred from his goals. Sincerity and humor marked his interaction with others; his ability to focus upon the situation enabled him to work effectively with others in a genuine, unique, and productive manner

Active in all city or county-related issues, Elmore was first named to the city commission and later became the first Black Mayor of Marianna. He was the local spokesperson and state representative to the NAACP where his involvement kept the community abreast of social and economic strategies. These activities, coupled with the work required for these organizations, meant that he sacrificed much personal time and even some personal peace in order to help others. A mentor for many, he was looked up to as a source of help and inspiration for so many young people who came to refer to him as “Dad.” Interested in both the history of people and the future we could create, he gave of himself willingly to those who called upon him for assistance or advice.

A public viewing and visitation will be Friday, October 11th at the church where he served faithfully as a deacon, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church located at 3096 Old US Road Marianna, FL from 4-6pm.

A homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday, October 12th at 11:00am at Second West Missionary Baptist Association Church where Rev. Dwight Cockerham, Sr. is the moderator and with Reverend Daryl Johnson, Reverend Ronald D. Mizer, Dr. Napoleon Pittman, Reverend Paul Daniels, Reverend Obidiah White, Minister Pearl Jackson and Brother Leon Gibson officiating. Interment will follow in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery with arrangements entrusted to the Caring Staff at Peoples Funeral Home of Marianna. The body will lie in state at the church Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until funeral time at 11:00 a.m.