Cuma Bryant

Cuma Joan Connor Bryant passed peacefully into glory on Friday, June 23, 2017, at her home as she and her husband shared their final prayer together here on earth. Born in Monroe, Mich., on Feb. 26, 1945, she was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Dora Connor. She was a graduate of Monroe High School and Eastern Michigan University. A devoted pastor’s wife for more than 50 years, she served alongside her husband, sharing in his ministry. She was also a dedicated teacher and administrator for four decades and had a deep and abiding love for children and learning. Cuma is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Pastor Larry E. Bryant. They were married in Monroe, Mich., on Aug. 7, 1965. She is also survived by her sons, David, Birmingham, Ala., and Jonathan (Pam), Chattanooga, Tenn.; and her grandchildren, Brandon, Sarah, BayLeigh, Alex, Jackson and Cooper Bryant and Nick Phillips; other special family include her brothers, Jim (Lena) Connor, Jacksboro, Tenn., Tom Connor, Mosheim, Tenn., and sister, Nina Connor, Albuquerque, N.M.; and special nieces, Kelly (Roger) Baird and Kim (James) Cotton and other nieces and nephews. Our thanks to her brother-in-law Robert (Rhonda) Bryant, Colorado Springs, Colo., for assisting with her care. Pallbearers are Brandon Bryant, Nick Phillips, Grant Barkley, Jared Broome, Trae Cody, Boaz Goudzward, Ephantas Ihugo, Jeremy Lawson, Mike McDowell and Ethan Taylor. Honorary Pallbearers include her loving grandchildren and Deacons of New Friendship Baptist Church and Michigan Avenue Baptist Church. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at New Friendship Baptist Church (NFBC), 1344 Chatata Valley Road NE, Cleveland, Tenn., 37323. The celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at NFBC followed by burial at New Friendship Cemetery. The family is also appreciative of the compassionate care extended by Hospice of Chattanooga. Donations can be made in her memory to the following organizations: Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416 and the Angel Fund at Heart for Africa, P.O. Box 1308, Roswell, GA 30077.