Jesus Roy Bryant

Jesus Roy Bryant was born on December 20, 1965, in Chicago, IL. He was blessed with the love and guidance of two families who played an essential role in his life. He was the son of Levy Bryant and Rosita Jackson and was also lovingly raised by James and Annie Lou Howell. These intertwined families imparted to him a deep sense of love, belonging, and community—a legacy that continues to inspire all who knew him.

Growing up, Jesus spent his childhood in Chicago, IL. He attended Little Flower Elementary School and Leo High School. He had a passion for sports and was an award-winning football player. He also ran track in high school, loved swimming, and enjoyed roller skating! As a young adult, he lived and worked in Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, GA, he travelled throughout the country with the dance group JM Silk.

Jesus was baptized at an early age and in June 2024, he re-dedicated his life to Christ and joined A New Beginning God’s House of Praise Ministry.

On December 22, 1999, Jesus married Sharon Coty, the love of his life. Their marriage was founded on love and friendship, and together they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Savannah and Sasha, whom he adored. Fatherhood was one of his greatest joys, and he embraced the role with love, wisdom, and devotion.

Prior to his marriage, Jesus was also blessed with two sons, Ryan Sissac and Julian Taylor. Though their journeys began separately, Roy was a steadfast and loving father, supporting them throughout their lives and taking pride in the men they became. His love for all his children was deep and enduring, leaving behind a lasting legacy of family, strength, and devotion.

Jesus had a deep passion for health and wellness, dedicating many years of his career as a personal trainer. He helped countless clients achieve their fitness goals while working at some of the nation's top health clubs, including Bally's, World Gym, and LA Fitness. His dedication to service extended beyond fitness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jesus played a key role at Abbott Laboratories, contributing to the mass production of testing kits that helped millions of Americans. Later, he transitioned into sales logistics at Penske, where his strong work ethic and dedication to helping others continued to shine. No matter the role, Jesus approached his work with passion, purpose, and a commitment to making a difference.

To know Jesus “Roy” Bryant was to know a man full of passion— whether for his family, music, cars, motorcycles, or cigars. However, nothing lit up his spirit quite like House Music. Whether at Sauers, Warehouse, Muzik Box, or The Power Plant, if there was music pulsing through the speakers, Roy was there. He lived and breathed the music scene, even performing as a background dancer and singer for JM Silk. Traveling with the group, he brought his signature energy to every stage. When he wasn’t dancing, Roy could be found racing down Lake Shore Drive on a motorcycle or in his Corvette, reaching speeds of 100+ miles per hour—all while enjoying a cigar.

Roy had a magnetic presence that left an unforgettable mark on everyone he met. His sharp wit, infectious humor, and larger-than-life personality kept those around him entertained and always laughing. Whether cracking jokes, sharing stories, or simply enjoying life, Roy had a way of making everything brighter for those lucky enough to know him. During the COVID years, he also found joy in hosting late-night music podcasts as Facebook DJ C4, sharing his love for music with a wider community.

Roy bravely fought his battle with cancer, displaying the strength of a warrior. He peacefully transitioned on February 26, 2025, at the age of 59.

Jesus is preceded in death by his parents, James and Annie Lou Howell, and sister, Shirley Ann Howell, and brothers, Charles Howell, and Keith Jackson. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Coty-Bryant; his sons Ryan Sissac and Julian Taylor; his daughters Savannah and Sasha Bryant; his mother, Rosita Jackson, his father Levy Bryant; his grandsons Julian Jr. and Jackson Sissac; his brothers, Raymond Smith, Terry, James, Toney, and Kenny Howell, Leroy and Dwayne Payton; his sisters, Wardean Tolbert, Arnett Howell-Faulkner, LaDonna Payton-Simmons, Twana Payton, Angela Jackson; and a host of beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and an abundance of lifelong friends. Roy's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, a man whose spirit, love, and laughter will never be forgotten.

A memorial visitation and service will be held on Friday, March 7th, Visitation at 4:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 5:00 p.m. Memorial Service for Jesus Roy Bryant will be lived streamed from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting:

https://zoom.us/j/99446961984?pwd=USXMYqqs0aKQ43NI6daasOJZzU4pSG.1

Meeting ID: 994 4696 1984

Passcode: 332551

A repast to follow the service at ROOM 43, 1041 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653, 7-11 pm.