Lillie Bryant, age 88, of Markham, IL, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Lillie was born on April 1, 1937, in Houston, Mississippi, to Amos and Naomi Jones. From the very beginning, she brought joy and laughter into the lives of those around her. She graduated from Chickasaw County High School in Houston, Mississippi in 1961. After graduation, she moved to the west side of Chicago to live with her cousin, where she met the love of her life, Lee Bryant. They were married on May 14, 1964, and shared 33 wonderful years together, raising four children: Lisa, Vanessa, Veronica, and Vanice.

Lillie was an extraordinary baker, known for making cakes, pies, cookies, and especially her famous homemade yeast rolls from scratch. Her children fondly remember the joy of licking the spoon from the mixing bowl after she whipped up cake batter. One of the items she loved to make for her family was her yeast rolls. She decided one holiday season, she handed out samples of her rolls along with instructions for friends and fellow church members to try. Their overwhelming positive response inspired her to start a small business selling them which she did until age would no longer allow her too.

After moving to Markham, Lillie searched for a church home and became a member of Page Ave Church of Christ, which later became Harvey Church of Christ. She was a youth counselor for many years teaching, counseling, connecting and loving all the youth she touched. She made a positive impact on their lives.

She also had a passion for singing. Lillie began singing in a youth choir and continued through adulthood. She was a member of the choir at Harvey Church of Christ adult choir, where she served as one of the choir director for several years. A strong tenor, she sang many solos and was especially known for her rendition of “Hard Fighting Soldier.”

In 2006, she placed her membership at Matteson Church of Christ, where she worshiped faithfully until the Lord called her home. Lillie was a devoted and nurturing mother who raised her children to know and love the Lord. Her deep faith, kindness, and warmth touched all who knew her. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Lee Bryant, daughter Lisa Bryant-Young, parents Amos and Naomi Jones, and brother Amos Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory: daughters Vanessa Bryant, Veronica Bryant-Stemley (Jason), and Vanice Bryant; grandchildren Londen Bryant (Catrina), Chiara Thomas (Dwayne), Brylee Bryant, Cameren, and Daelin Stemley; and eight great-grandchildren Londen Bryant (Catrina), Chiara Thomas (Dwayne), Brylee Bryant, Cameren, and Daelin Stemley; and eight great-grandchildren Aysa, Johnathan, Jordan, Sainya, Londen Jr. DuSean Jayden, and Jayce.  She is also survived by her siblings: Wilbert Jones, Robert L. Jones, Sara Hennigan, Quedell Jones, Samella Walker, Grace Roby, and Nona Williams.

A special mention is extended to Chase and Choe, who held a dear place in her heart.

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