Lylia Bryant of Winfield, AL, left this world and ran to Jesus’ arms on Saturday September 17, 2022, comfortable and peaceful. Her final day on this side of Heaven was filled with prayers, scripture, laughter and tears in a celebration of her life by her daughters and their daughters at her bedside. She finally released this world when her son grasped her hand one last time. In spite of the fact she battled heart issues for decades, she never wavered from her constant trust in the Lord’s goodness and grace. Lylia was born on October 14, 1936 to Lyle and Eleanora Johnson in Danville, IL. The family moved to Birmingham, AL where she grew up, and graduated Woodlawn High School in 1954. Lylia was blessed with stunning beauty, so it was no surprise that while attending Woodlawn, she caught the eye of Ed Bryant. They were married December 16, 1955 by Ed’s father, Rev. C. E. Bryant, and lived in Woodlawn until settling down in Winfield in their new home in Continental Heights. Lylia was a devoted wife and mother, who never missed any of her children’s many sports activities. It was always fun to sit near her during any game, as she was often very vocal in her support! Her love of many different kinds of sports continued right up to the end of her life. She enjoyed her season tickets to Alabama basketball as often as possible, but also frequently attended Alabama Gymnastics Meets and Softball games. When she couldn’t attend a game or event, you could find her glued to her TV or sports radio, especially for SEC football. Even after all her children had long since graduated, she continued to be a supporter of Winfield High School sports. And, while Lylia enjoyed sports as a spectator, she was also a talented and avid golfer for many years. In addition to sports, Lylia was very active in civic groups like the Cosmopolitan Club, assuming responsibilities in many areas and on many projects. Arguably, her greatest contribution was her involvement at Winfield First Baptist Church, where she faithfully taught Sunday School for over 50 years, caring and praying for others continuously, even while suffering courageously with health issues. She was blessed with a beautiful soprano voice and sang with the choir every week, until her health kept her from climbing into the choir loft. Lylia is best remembered by her lilting, contagious, head-back laughter; her gorgeous, infectious smile and her happy, good-natured demeanor. She wasn’t afraid of speaking the truth when asked, but kept her opinions to herself otherwise. She was someone who made those around her just feel good, and was a generous person- both with her resources and with her time. She was not one to complain when personal issues arose - she suffered in silence, stating, “no one likes to listen to someone who complains.” Over the years, she loved to garden, was an amazing cook and a voracious reader. Because she was so well-read, she was able to add interest to almost every conversation, and was all but impossible to beat at board games, especially Scattergories. Just ask her grandkids! So, we celebrate the incredible life of Lylia Bryant. She leaves behind her three children, Cindi, Mark and Natalie, along with a long list of grandchildren and great grandchildren. We grieve and we will miss her greatly; but we grieve with hope- because we know that she is not in these ashes. She finally saw her Savior not “through a glass dimly” but rather face to face. She is home, fully healed and rejoicing. We have no doubt that she has received many crowns as a good and faithful servant of her Lord. She has begun to truly live; and if we too know Jesus as Lord and Savior, we will indeed see her again. So, we do not say goodbye to Lylia today. Rather, we can confidently proclaim, “See you soon!”

A celebration of life service for Mrs. Bryant will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 12:00 noon from the Winfield First Baptist Church.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. service time.  In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Winfield First Baptist Church building fund.

Bowen Funeral Home of Winfield, Al serving the Bryant family.