Sarah Frances Bryant

July 27, 1927 ~ December 18, 2023

Sarah Bryant Obituary

Sarah Frances Bryant affectionally called “Dada” was born July 27, 1927, in Macon, Georgia to John and Iona Chappell. Frances was the fifth of six children born of this union. The Lord called her home on December 18, 2023.

While in Macon, Frances graduated from high school at the age of 16 and from there she began a life journey that would take her away from the city of her birth and lead her to the place that would become her new home – Cleveland, Ohio. She joined her older sister Dorothy, who had already taken up residence there. In 1946, Frances experienced her biggest life-changing event so far, she met and married Army veteran Percy Bryant. From that union the three lovely Bryant daughters were born.

Frances was a dedicated member of Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church. She served for many years at the church. In her early years she was a member of the Matrons Organization. She loved supporting church activities and was even crowned “Ms. Ebony” for her fundraising efforts selling Ebony Magazine subscriptions to raise funds for the church. Up until her passing she faithfully sent in her tithes every month.

With her daughters out making their own way in life, Frances decided to spend her time working outside the home. In 1977, she began employment as a lunch aide in the Shaker Heights School District. Starting at Ludlow Elementary School, she worked for the school system for two decades.

When she wasn’t working, Frances and her partner in crime, sister Marion enjoyed driving to grocery stores and malls to shop. When they were not shopping, she was watching her favorite soap operas, “All My Children”, “Another World” and “The Young and the Restless” to name a few.

Frances spent the balance of her life enjoying her family, making them smile and laugh with her wholesome heart and loving spirit. She was the proclaimed “matriarch” of the neighborhood and had numerous “adopted” children from her Glenville East 128th Street days. We will definitely miss her words of wisdom that have guided the family these 96 years.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years Percy, parents John and Iona, brothers Willie and John, Jr., and sisters Marion, Dorothy, and Johnnie Mae.

She will continue to live in the hearts and minds of her family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memory, daughters Sherry (Ernest), Gwen, Sandra (Gregory), granddaughters Kim (Thomas), Jeanene (John), Jarita and Keela (Benjamin); great-grandchildren Marques, Jalen, Diamond, Destiny, Mia, John Desmond, Ciara, Samone, Jamire, Kayla, Michael, Braxton, and Major; great-great grandson Christopher, and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, relatives and friends near and far.