Deacon Elmore Bryant Obituary in Marianna at Peoples Funeral Home

Obituary For Deacon Elmore Bryant

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.

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Tracy Speights sent Beautiful Dreams for Deacon Elmore Bryant - October 08, 2024

We love you always, Tracy Speights, Lizzie Speights, and Keysaan Daniels

Send flowers for Deacon Elmore Bryant

"Come to Me," the Lord whispered to my weary spirit. Come to Me and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28.
To Eulice Jean Bryant Family and the McKay Family,
Words cannot fully express the depth of sorrow we feel at the passing of Elmore Bryant. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers during this difficult time. May the Lord continually dwell with you, giving peace and strength that transcends all understanding in your hours of sorrow.
Elmore's tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to fighting for equal rights in our community have left an indelible mark on all of us. He has led with integrity, compassion, and a fierce determination to create a better future for those around him. His influence has inspired so many, and his legacy will continue to live on through the lives he has touched. We have lost an extraordinary humanitarian advocate, a pillar of our community, who tirelessly championed the well-being of others.
"For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." 2 Corinthians 5:1.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will award to me on that day." Tim. 4:6-8. Rest In Peace (RIP).
With Deepest Sympathy,
The Spires, Wilson, Burnside, Goode, Tolbert, Liggans, Potter, Herring, and Gibson Family

Thank you Mr. Elmore Bryant.
My deepest condolences to the Bryant family. Matthew 5:4 tells us; Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. May you find some comfort in the arms of the angel.
If we remember nothing else, remember to VOTE.
With Sympathy Brenda Borders

My Deepest Sympathy and Sincerest Condolences to Brother Elmore Bryant's family. 🙏🙏🙏
Keeping the family close to caring thoughts and prayers. Though your hearts must hold deep sadness at the loss of the one you loved, may it also hold the blessings of the life you shared and the love that will always be a part of you. Let not your hearts be troubled. Stay strong, be encouraged, and be blessed. 🙏🙏🙏 Sleep in Heavenly Peace my fellow freedom fighter and Brother in the Bond.

To the Bryant family, you all will remain in our prayers. Thank you Mr. Bryant for being a Beacon and Staple in our community. With Deepest Sympathy. Greenwood Chapel AME church family.

Mrs. Bryant and family my prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Growing up in Friendship was truly a blessing, so many memories. You and Deacon Bryant were beacons of love and kindness to me and my sister and I can't thank you enough for all of your support. I pray God's grace and mercy be with you and your family.
Lovingly, Vanelda Mixon

Praying for the Bryant family. I work with Mr. Bryant as and educator and also at Bryant Enterprise. May you find peace that he is alright from the toils of this world and you will see him again. God bless.

We will me Coach Bryant.

We are sending our condolences to the Bryant family, Coach Bryant was my gymnastic coach when I as a little girl thank you for the memories Terria Gardner Davis and family

So sorry to hear about the loss of your father Paul.I wished that I would have known such a great person. Keep following in his steps and you can't go wrong. I hope the loving and fun memories will sustain you and your family today,tomorrow, and always. Sending my thoughts and many prayers. Co-worker Joe-Ann Ingram-Lys

To Mrs Eulice Bryant, and the rest of the Bryant Family, we, the Saint Paul High School Class of 1969 at Campbellton, Fl., extend our deepest condolences on the passing of our beloved Coach Elmore Bryant, as we effectionally knew him. Coach Bryant was more than a teacher to members of our class(and other classes), but also provided guidance for our life pursuits, positive mentorship, especially for the young Black boys, and very important, discipline when needed. We also honor the Legacy of Coach Bryant for his government service, business acumen, and civic activism. We pray that The Family will take comfort in knowing that Coach Bryant is at home with The Lord🙏🏾 (Melvin Pittman, former Class President, on behalf of the St. Paul High School Class of 1969)

My sincere condolences to Deacon Bryant's family. I tried to call him on Facebook for his birthday, but unfortunately did not get him. My most vivid memory of him was during the time we were both working at JCTS and I was a chaperone at the senior prom that year. I invited my boyfriend to attend with me. During the prom my boyfriend kept starring at the table where some interns were seated. I told him that I didn't mind if he danced with them. This happened on Friday.? On Monday morning (back at work) one of the interns told me that my boyfriend had visited one of the interns over the weekend. Later when I saw coach Bryant, he said to me, "Gant, you just gave your boyfriend away!" I will never forget those words. I have so much respect for his activision and for becoming the first black mayor for Marianna. He did so much during his lifetime and he definitely a legend and one of a kind. His legacy will live forever. We are all blessed to have known Coach Bryant. Rev. Evelyn G. McKay Moore

Coach Bryant was my coach at Marianna Middle always encouraging but was a firm but fair when it came to Discipline just wanted the Best outta of you not only as an athlete but as a person whether u saw him at school or at the gas station always smiling and had something to pour into your Life to do and be better We lost a Legend and Great Man. My Deepest Condolences to the Bryant Family

On be half of the nations oldest and most successful Civil Rights and Social Justice Advocacy organization, we extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of one of the most outstanding, committed and courageous servant leaders in our history. As an NAACP leader, Mayor, Educator and Coach, Elmore Bryant always worked on behalf of and sought to be a voice for others, even unto the end. Rest in Power. Leon Russell, Chairman, NAACP

Growing up in Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and having Deacon and Mrs. Bryant as mentors in my life has truly been a gift from God. Throughout my life and all my endeavors they were present. Never did they say call me later or I don't have time. They made time for me. I love you Deacon and Mrs. Bryant. Deacon Bryant, I will never forget our talks and jokes. Jackson County is a better place because of the two of you. Love forever and ever, Tracy Speights

Where do i start. This man, my cousin always kept me motivated, encouraged and inspired. He always made sure that "SMILE" he loves so much was on my face when he would see me. His life and legacy will forever live on in my heart . God has gained a fierce Warrior💞💞💞🙏🏾

Tatasheanna Johnson

A giant. An inspiration. A leader. A role model. A legacy builder. A visionary. A voice for the voiceless. An awesome man. I was blessed to know him personally while growing up in Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. What an awesome gift from God to the citizens of Jackson County Florida. My deepest condolences to the family.
Calvin Dickens Missouri City, Texas

Coach Bryant was my 1st coach ever and I still remember the words of encouragement and wisdom he gave me as a young kid who was unsure of himself that gave me confidence. We have truly lost a great man who's a big role model

As a little girl growing up in Marianna I remember Mr. Bryant and his wife being the nicest people I'd ever met. Always encouraging and supportive of the kids in our community. I know he will be missed but the memories of him will never fade. Pamela Crawford-Redding ( Atlanta, Ga.)

Rest in heaven arms Mr.Bryant thank you for your recognition and service. Job well done Sir!
The Dorsey Family....

Coach Bryant was a long time friend fraternity brother as well of mind and my family I will truly miss him. Deepest Condolences. The Coopers

Deacon Elmore Bryant was a champion for justice. A good man, husband, father, civic leader, friend and Fraternity Brother. I will miss your conversations and guidance. Rest Well.
William E Long Jr