Mrs. Nancy Ellen James Bryant was born August 29, 1921 in Columbia, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late John Elliot and Ella Geiger James and the youngest of eight children. On Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at her home, she entered eternal rest to be with the Lord, surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Bryant received her formal education in the public schools of Richland County, graduating with Booker T. Washington’s Class of 1943. She continued her education at the Columbia Hospital School of Nursing where she earned an associate’s degree. She was one of three Black- Americans in the first graduating class. Mrs. Bryant worked as a nurse with the Columbia and Richland Memorial Hospitals for 34 years until her retirement.

In 1945, she met and married the love of her life, Deacon Willie L. Bryant, Their union was blessed with one son.

Deaconess Bryant joined Zion Chapel Baptist Church No.1 at an early age and remained a faithful, active, and dedicated member until her health declined in February 2017. She was instrumental in organizing and implementing the Junior Usher Board; serving as chairperson of the Kitchen Committee; as secretary of the Jr. Jubilee Choir; as secretary of the Senior Musical Choir, the Missionary Society, and the City Wide Jubilee Choir Union in which she was recognized for 50 years of service. She was an active member of the Deaconess Ministry and was appointed Mother of the Church. She was an active member of the Queen Ester Chapter 1 of the Order of the Eastern Star for more than 55 years.

Her favorite pass time and hobbies include: working in her church, her community, and playing bingo.

She was the youngest of eight children and was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and all seven siblings.

She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories her treasured son, Deacon Willie H. (Gloria) Bryant of Columbia, South Carolina; seven grandchildren: Reginald (Tara) Bell, Sandra Williams, Melissa (Donald) Riley, Carlton (Kathy) Bryant, Darrell (Sheila) Bell, Kory Mayers, all of Columbia, South Carolina, and Ashley Brooks of Augusta, Georgia; fifteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, and friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.