Erma Jean Anderson-Bryant was the ninth and last born to William Anderson and Lillian Austin-Anderson in Gum Springs, Arkansas, in 1931. After attending elementary school and giving her life to Christ at an early age, Erma Jean went on to graduate Valedictorian of her class at Peak High School in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. After graduation in 1949, she met Thomas C. Bryant, Sr. They were joined in Holy Matrimony in Gum Springs, Arkansas in January 1950 and later settled in Lansing, Michigan.

Erma Jean was a very devoted and dedicated Christian; and loving wife and mother to her husband and their nine children. She was employed for several years at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. She would always assist, support, and work along-side her husband, Elder Thomas C. Bryant, Sr., in community and city efforts.  Erma Jean also served as First Lady of Holy Ghost Temple Church of God in Christ, a church that Elder Bryant founded. She was faithful to her calling in evangelism and missionary work. Erma Jean served in many church auxiliaries and ministries; from teaching children, visiting home-bound elderly and ministering to the incarcerated. Before her death Erma Jean was a member at Loving Fellowship Baptist Church, Desoto, Texas, where she faithfully attended Sunday school and church services.

She leaves to cherish her memory five sons; Thomas C. (Valerie) Bryant, Jr. of Duncanville, Texas, Ralph (Tina) Bryant of Lansing, Michigan, David H. Bryant of Jackson, Tennessee, Ronald (Virginia) Bryant of Jackson, Tennessee, and Edward (Ethel) Bryant of Woodville, Texas; and stepson, Bennie Bryant, Phoenix, Arizona. Also surviving are; 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and a host of other devoted family members, church family, and friends.

Erma Jean Bryant was preceded in death by her husband, Elder Thomas C. Bryant, Sr. and three children, Barbara Ann Bryant, Oliver Paul Bryant, Frances Mildred Bryant; parents, William Anderson and Lillian Austin- Anderson; sisters, Zeola Brooks, Viola Anderson, Ellen Lyles, Willie Mae Simons, Dossie Mae Williams and Helen Louise Blevins and brothers, Moses and Paul Anderson.  She transitioned to her heavenly home on November 23, 2019.

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