Gloria Jean "Glo" Bryant

Gloria Jean Bryant was born November 16, 1951 in New Brunswick, New Jersey to the late John Samuel Bryant & Frances Eugene Bryant. She was the 4th child and only girl in the family and was often referred to as Cinderella. But unlike Cinderella, Gloria was loved and protected by her dad, mom and 3 older brothers. She enjoyed her childhood on Sherman Ave alongside her best friends (Donna & Sheila) and a host of cousins and friends. Gloria was educated in the Newark Public School system, attending Miller Street School and South Side (Shabazz) High School where she excelled as a shy yet extremely popular cheerleader.
After graduating High School in 1970, Gloria dated and married her childhood friend Donnie Spearman. The two were married for 48 years and raised 4 beautiful children, until his death in 2018. They lived in Newark, New Jersey and hosted several school and community based programs. The family lived in several neighborhoods including, Irvington, Orange, Vailsburg and Hill Manor, where they developed lasting relationships with neighbors and friends, many of whom knew the couple simply as Donnie & Glo.
Gloria is resting safely in the arms of her late husband Donnie Spearman, her parents Sam & Frances'Coon Bryant; her 3 brothers Rufus Hooker Sr., Sammy Bryant, and Andrew Bryant. She leaves behind her 4 children: Kendra Bryant Cooper, Fatira Bryant, Andrea Bryant, & only son Daquan Bryant. Daughter-in-law Tanja Cooper, Jamisha Austin, Ashley Reid, Son-in-law Kevin Gray, and Boa. Her Grandchildren Al-Tariq Bryant, Dyshir Gray, Al-Tirah Gaines, Zasia Bryant, LaJaeda Gray, Rakaiyah Pendergrass, Al-Shakor Gaines, Quanaisa Owens, Avante Pugh, Zaire Sweatte, Daquan Bryant, Jr., Janaijah Bryant, Jahnae Bryant, Daejah Cooper, Tiyana Jackson, Yasin Jackson, and Brandon Burris. Her Great-Grandchildren - Yassir Gray, Amiya Hockaday, Al-Tariq Bryant, Jr., Jayla Hockaday, Nyla Banks, NeLani Bryant, Elise Cooper, Layla Chase, Sebastian Burris, and Ka'aire Jackson. As well as 12 nieces, 10 nephews and a host of cousins and friends.
Gloria was a loving mother, amazing aunt, and great & loyal friend. She often was a surrogate mom to many including "Baby-Boy". Gloria was a mentor to many often times steering them away from the life she lived. She told it like it was, giving life changing advice to her nieces, nephews and cousins. Glo was fun to be around, extremely energetic, excellent dancer and usually the life of the party! You would often see her two-stepping or doing the funky chicken to her favorite song.
Despite her troubles in life she was a lovely woman, mother, and daughter with a fiery spirit. She is loved & cherished and will forever be missed.
This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Gloria Jean Bryant. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.