Bryant, Myrtle Esther Nance (Decatur)

Myrtle Esther Nance Bryant, earned her wings to her heavenly father on Monday, January 24, 2022, at the age of 88. She peacefully passed at her residence.

Myrtle was born and reared in Decatur, Tennessee. She married her high school sweetheart, Elwood Bryant, in 1955. She dedicated her life to her husband and children. Her faith supported her during the times her husband was serving our country and has been a solid foundation for her years after his passing. She is rejoicing in Heaven today!

Myrtle lived a full life, serving her Church as the Women’s Ministry Deaconess and Wedding Consultant at the First Baptist Church, El Centro, CA. She also volunteered numerous years at the Children’s Summer Camp, Hi-Pass, also associated with American Legion.
She worked closely with her Church family in Tennessee as well. She organized the “Older, Wiser, League” (OWLs) at the Ten Mile Baptist Church. She volunteered at the Bible After School program at Meigs North Elementary School.

Her presence will be greatly missed by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 79 of Decatur TN. As a Charter member, she and a group of dedicated wives established the unit 15 years ago. Her dedication the Veterans of this community will live on through the work of the members. She encouraged the growth of the unit and was very proud of each and every member.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Ernest Luther and Ida Carter Nance, her husband of (55 years) Elwood Bryant, brothers and sisters: Bessie Holt, Pearl Elder, Ada Nance, Thomas Nance, Johnnie Nance, Clarence Nance, and Naomi Wright, and her great-grandchild Jose Luis Castellanos.

She is survived by her children: Richard Aaron (Janet Trease) Bryant, of Ocean Springs, MS; Renee Lynn of Decatur, TN; Randal Elwood (Lola Paulk) Bryant, of Ten Mile, TN; and Vincent Ludwig Galzerano of Onieda, TN; her sister Edith Bahles of Peoria, AZ; Grandchildren: Matthew, Tim, Jason, Desiree, Michael, Charles Elwood and 16 great-grand children; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Harold Dodson and the Rev. Jimmy Lewis
officiating. Interment will follow at the Shiloh Cemetery.

Family will receive friends from 12-2 p.m., prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 79, c/o Paula Thompson, 290 Fitch Lane, Ten Mile, Tn. 37880.

Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Bryant family.