Warren L. Bryant
Warren L. Bryant, Jr., of Los Angeles, transcended from this life on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 in Cleveland, Ohio.
His funeral services were held on February 22, at Lane Metropolitan C.M.E. Church in Cleveland.
Warren was born on November 16, 1947 to Nonnie (Campbell) Bryant and Warren L. Bryant, Sr. in Pennington, Alabama. Later, his family moved to Cleveland, OH where he received his formal education.
Warren’s family joined Lane Metropolitan C.M.E. Church and he started his singing career in the church choir. He graduated in the top ten of his class and received the school’s highest Music Award from East Technical High School.
Warren continued his education at Cleveland State University where he graduated and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 1973. Warren was also the lead singer with a local group called ‘The Sirrah’s.’ After a year with the group, Warren branched out as a soloist, singing in many local clubs, hotels, and other events in Cleveland.
In 1976, he moved to Los Angeles and joined Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church under the leadership of Bishop William H. Graves. At Phillips Temple, Warren was very active in the Cathedral Choir as well as other organizations.
As an actor, Warren appeared in Jamaa Fanaka’s film, ‘Penitentiary,’ and its sequels, ‘Penitentiary II and III.’ As a recording artist, he has written several songs including, ‘Memory of Yesterday’ and ‘Truly, Truly,’ and also released an album entitled ‘Warren Bryant.’
Not all of Warren’s time was spent in the entertainment industry. He was employed by several agencies of the United States Government. In 2009, he retired from the Labor Relations Board where he was a field examiner and equal employment opportunity counselor.
On October 17, 2009, Warren had a Grand Retirement Celebration entitled, ‘A New Direction,’ celebrating over 40 years of civic, church, and community service. He received numerous tributes and awards for his dedicated service and received a special “Congratulatory Message” from the Honorable President of The United States of America, President Barack Obama and other government officials.
Warren also maintained his work in the field of public relations for the C.M.E. Church on the local, district, regional and national levels and was a writer and photographer for the national church magazine, The Christian Index.
When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Warren replied, “For being Warren and giving love, joy and spreading the Word that all things come through hard work and trusting in the Lord!”
He leaves to cherish his precious memory his beloved mother, Nonnie Bryant; his loving siblings, William, Juanita, Curley, Louise and Eloise; and a host of relatives and friends.
“To God Be The Glory for the Things He Has Done!”
