Phyllis Bryant, a devoted homemaker, cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the age of 92. A lifelong resident of Centralia, Illinois, Phyllis was born on July 12, 1933, to Henry Owens and LaVerne (Flagg) Myers. She married Malcom Gene Bryant and shared 49 years with him until he passed away on January 19, 1998 Phyllis graced the world with her presence for over nine decades, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and family.
Phyllis dedicated her life to nurturing others. As a homemaker, she created a warm and loving environment for her family and, through her in-house daycare, she positively impacted countless children in her community. Known for her vibrant and caring nature, she was a woman of deep faith—a prayer warrior whose life was marked by her devotion to her family and her beliefs.
Her loving children survive her: Michael Gene Bryant of Florissant, MO, Marsha Jackson of Decatur, GA, Maurnice McClain of Centralia, Mark Bryant (Ann) of McDonough, GA, Molia Strickland (Gregory) of Centralia, and Sterling Ardi Moore (Gentanna) of Centralia. Her legacy is carried on by her 31 grandchildren, 89 great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren; Brothers-In-Law, Kenneth L. Coleman (Caretha) of Los Altos Hill, CA and Earl Jones of Centralia; Sisters-In-law, Dr. Clara Coleman-Voss (Rick) of Tracy, CA and Remolia West of Chicago. Phyllis’s life was further enriched by Carolyn Cratic’s cherished friendship and the dedicated care of Miss Georgia.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, Henry Owens, and her mother, LaVerne Flagg Myers; her beloved husband, Malcolm Bryant; grandsons, Jose Bryant and Sterling Williams; granddaughter-in-law, Colleen McClain; Aunt Rosie Flagg; and sons-in-law, Bernard Jackson and Marvin McClain; Sister-in- Law, Peggy Coleman. and Linda Jones.
Phyllis was a woman of elegance and grace and a passion for dancing, roller skating, drawing, and traveling. Her vibrant spirit and love for life were evident in everything she did, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Visitation services will be held at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will follow at the House of Worship Outreach Ministries at 601 East Calumet in Centralia, IL. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11 am, with Pastor Gregory Stickland, Co-Pastor Molia Stickland officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, is honored to be of service to the Bryant family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
Phyllis Bryant will be remembered for her unyielding faith, her love of family, her joyous spirit, and the warmth she bestowed upon everyone she met. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will continue to inspire her family and friends for generations to come.
