Nan Elizabeth Bryant
Nan Elizabeth Bryant, 67, of Powell, Tennessee, was born on Nov. 30, 1956, in Greenville, South Carolina. Nan went to Heaven a shoutin’ on Oct. 13, 2024, surrounded by her family.
Nan had a special talent for perfect timing in the kitchen, and she found joy in cooking large meals for her loved ones and church family. She was a feisty and fiery redhead with an eye for detail, schedules, and organization. Yard sales and flea markets were no match for Nan, as evidenced by the treasures in her home. She was an incredible hands-on grandmother who wore the title proudly. She cherished time with her grandchildren, teaching them new things and making lasting memories. Words cannot describe the great love she had for her husband of 20 years, Sherman Bryant. Their devotion and care for each other, through sickness and health, was an inspiration to everyone who knew them.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Ruth Brown, and her father, Billy Marion Reese.
Nan is survived by her siblings, Henry Clinton Reese, Pamela Ruth Reese, and Charles Leroy Pulliam Jr.; her five children, Joey Hall, Tracey Powell (Stan), Melissa Hurst (David Sr.), Kevin Bryant (Janet), and Derek Bryant (Janine); and her nine grandchildren, Josh Hall, Sydney Moyers (Billy), Kaleigh Redfeairn, James Bryant, David Bryant, Sammie Jo Hurst, Alexandra Fawzi, Michael Fawzi, and David Jr. (Alexis) Hurst. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Dash and Jax Hall, Kennedy, Julionna, Grayson, and McKenzie Moyers, and Augie Hurst; as well as her nieces, Christie Scully and Heather Ocho. The family would like to extend a special thank you to “Ma and Daddio,” Bill and Yevonne Douglas, for loving Nan as their own.
Pallbearers were Kevin Bryant, Derek Bryant, James Bryant, David Bryant, David Hurst, and Tim Lambdin. Honorary pallbearers were Joey Hall and Josh Hall.
Nan will be greatly missed by her family not only for her ability to keep everyone well -fed but also for making everyone feel well-loved. The family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the arms of Jesus. Her testimony included an awesome redemptive story about the powerful love of Jesus that covered great pain and suffering of the past. Nan had incredible faith, as she was regularly overheard saying, “I have no fear.” If you do not know her Savior, who can provide this peace, we encourage you to seek Him. She would also encourage anyone to be generically tested for Alpha-I COPD if you have lost family members to lung problems in their younger years.
Nan was a devoted member of Shepherd of the Hills Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations to the church would be appreciated.
The family received friends and family beginning at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the church, at 400 E. Beaver Creek Drive, Knoxville. A memorial service, led by the Rev. Leland Lyon, followed at 6 p.m.
