Joyce Bryant

Joyce Marilyn Clanton Bryant was born September 7, 1932 in Washington, D.C. to the late Richard F. Clanton, Sr. and Dorothy J. (Crump) Clanton. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard F. Clanton, Jr.

Joyce graduated with honors from Dunbar High School in 1950 and went on to obtain her BS in Elementary Education from Miner Teachers’ College (now part of the University District of Columbia) in 1954. She married the late James Robert Bryant that same year. From this union came three children, Gregory, Inece and Kenneth. She started working for the U.S. Postal Service in the 1960’s and retired after thirty-one years.

Joyce attended Florida Avenue Baptist Church with her mother, Dorothy J. Clanton, and joined at a very young age under the late Rev. Robert L. Rollins. She began her life of service by first serving with the Junior Usher, Youth Choir and attending BTU. Throughout her over eighty years of being a member of Florida Avenue Baptist Church she was always active. She sang with the Voices of Praise, the Condolence Choir, and participated in Sunday School, the Missionaries Team during which time she enjoyed visiting the Stoddard Baptist Home frequently. She really loved and enjoyed serving people. She always made sure that members had a ride home from church. This led to her establishing the Transportation Bus Committee. Members who wanted to attend church but didn’t have a ride or means, she made sure to get them there. Joyce was ordained a Deacon under the late Rev. Everette Eugene Smith. She faithfully visited and called those who were sick and shut-in making sure they received communion. Deacon Bryant was also a part of the Senior Liturgical Dance Team. She was compassionate about serving God and gave one hundred percent of herself in all she did. She was generous with both her time and talent. She joined the Condolence Committee under the late Deacon Young and later continued assisting Mrs. Velmar Miller. You could always depend on her to help in the church, the community and beyond.

Joyce loved music. During the 1970’s and 1980’s, she sang with the D. C. Chapter of The Gospel Music Workshop of America. She was an avid sports fan as well. She cheered for all of D.C. home teams (Redskins/Commanders, Wizards, Mystics, Nationals, etc.) She even cheered on the Terrapins and Georgetown teams. She also loved duckpin bowling and was a part of the Postal Bowling League for over thirty years, earning many trophies and accolades. But most importantly she loved the Lord and her family.

She was the BEST mom, grandma, and grandmama! She was always there supporting and encouraging her children and grands. She was full of grace, full of joy, always forgiving, always praying and always pointing to Jesus. Her love for her family and extended family was evident to anyone who knew her. She will be extremely missed and always cherished.

Left to continue her legacy are her children: Gregory Lee Bryant (Linda), Inece Yvette Bryant and Kenneth Raye Bryant; Grandchildren: Amber Robinson, Ivy Bryant, London Canty and Kenisha Brown (Vashon); Nine great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, adopted nieces, nephews, grands and friends. Special “adopted daughters”: Toni Greene and Esther Christian Rice (Dave) will always cherish her love, devotion and the many memories as will the entire family.