Emily Lillian Bryant, born on April 27, 1938, in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, was the beloved daughter of the late Mintford Cook Sr. and Lillian Cook. After graduating from New Kensington Arnold High School, she bravely moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she took on various jobs, showcasing her versatility and strong work ethic. Driven by a passion for healthcare, Emily enrolled in the esteemed Cleveland City Hospital School of Practical Nursing and earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential in 1960. For over forty years, she dedicated herself to nursing, significantly impacting specialized units across multiple hospitals in Cleveland.

In 1959, Emily Cook and Clifford Bryant exchanged vows, beginning a journey that would span forty nine years, marked by unwavering love and loyalty. Their bond grew stronger each year, creating a rich tapestry of shared experiences and cherished memories. The couple welcomed two wonderful sons into the world—Darrell Lavon (1961) and David Wayne Bryant (1969)—whom Emily lovingly referred to as her two hearts, symbolizing her deep affection for them.

Emily had a deep appreciation for elegant clothing and jewelry. She adored her home on Gibson Avenue, which is beautifully decorated in her favorite color RED. She enjoyed traveling to national and global destinations known for their stunning natural beauty and captivating scenery which brought her great joy. She also enjoyed outdoor barbecues and loved listening to R&B, jazz, gospel, and blues music during her leisure time. Decorating, cooking, and buying gifts for her loved ones during Christmas, which was her favorite holiday, were activities she cherished. Her dishes, especially pinto beans, cornbread, buttermilk pies, and liver with onions, will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Emily was a strong, wise, resilient, elegant, and determined woman with great faith in God. Her faith and spiritual growth journey began at the First Church of God in New Kensington, PA, at an early age. Throughout her life, Emily loved and trusted the Lord and wholeheartedly believed in Christian holiness, the power of prayer, and the teachings of the Bible. She held deep faith in Jesus’s death, burial, resurrection, and the teachings of the Old and New Testaments.

Emily peacefully departed from this world, succumbing to a sudden but aggressive illness, and

entered eternal rest on March 8, 2025, at the remarkable age of eighty-six. Her life was a tapestry woven with hard work, love, strength, and resilience. She is survived by her devoted and loving son, David W. Bryant, and his partner, Michael, who brought her joy and laughter. Her proud legacy includes her granddaughters, Emily C. Moore (married to Billy) and Jocelyn R. Bryant, as well as her grandson, Keith Harris, and his wife, Nakia. She also leaves behind her beloved daughter, Jocelyn Bryant, eight great-grandchildren, a circle of close family friends, a niece, and a host of nephews.

Emily was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Leroy Bryant; beloved son, Darrell Lavon Bryant; mother, Lillian Sullivan; father, Mitford Cook Sr.; stepfather, George Sullivan; brother, Mintford Cook Jr.; and sister, Marilyn Cook.