Shirley Bryant was born May 15, 1934 in Norfolk County, Virginia, to the late Claude Sutton, Sr. and Cora Sutton, the youngest of nine children. She was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at her home. She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Willow Grove Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. She continued her faithful walk as a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and as a member of the Pastor’s Aide Ministry.
Shirley was educated in the Norfolk County Public School System and upon graduation from high school, received a full scholarship to attend Norfolk State College (currently Norfolk State University). She worked with Norfolk Public Schools in the Chapter One Reading Program as a Paraprofessional, retiring after 26 years of service.
She leaves to celebrate her life, two daughters, Denise Bryant of Norfolk, Virginia and Diane Bryant of Portsmouth, Virginia; one son, Robert E. Bryant (Odetta) of Chesapeake, Virginia; three grandchildren, Tamika A. Bryant, Torri S. Bryant, and Morghan L. Bryant; three great grandchildren, Shakira Z. Lee, Krizire D. Nickoless and Camille Bryant-Simms; a lifelong friend, Pauline Forbes, a special friend, Audrey Pitts and a host of nieces nephews, church family and friends. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Robert C. Bryant; one daughter, Regina A. Bryant; her sisters, Ola Ham, Mary Richardson, Lillie Fentress, Otelia Cousins and Eva Sutton; and her brothers, Claude Sutton, Jr., Willie Sutton and Howard Sutton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can made to Union Mission.
