Penelope Jean "Penny" Bryant

Penelope "Penny" Jean Taylor Bryant, born in Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully in Lafayette, Indiana, surrounded by the love of her family.

Penny was a homemaker through and through - the heart of her home, the keeper of stories, and the one who raised her children with a quiet strength and endless devotion. In her later years, nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren, and especially her great-grandson, Jonathon "JJ" Goodwin, who absolutely ruled her world. Being his "GG" was her greatest honor and the brightest chapter of her life.

Early on, Penny earned her associate degree in Criminal Law from Ivy Tech, a reflection of her lifelong interest in helping others. That passion followed her into later years as she spent countless hours writing to prisoners, offering encouragement, compassion, and understanding to people she believed still deserved hope.

Penny was a homebody in the most loving sense - happiest curled up at home with a book or catching up on her favorite shows. She adored animals, and Steven lovingly recalls their home once being filled with hamsters, rats, cats, dogs, and even a ferret. The ferret, he insists, was the only thing that had to go - it was mean - and although it broke Penny's heart, she always had plenty of furry friends to pour love into.

Her grandchildren will always remember the many games of hide-and-seek at her house, with Penny gleefully hiding and jumping out to startle them, erupting into giggles every time. Those sounds of laughter were her favorite music. She also made a famous stew on chilly days, a warm comfort they'll miss more than words can say.

Penny is survived by her daughter Melissa Lovell (Dennis) of Lafayette, Indiana; her son Stephen Taylor of Indianapolis, Indiana; and her grandchildren Felicia Felix of Lafayette, Indiana, Jordan Felix of Muncie,Indiana, and Paris Felix of New York. Her greatest joy, great-grandson Jonathon "JJ" Goodwin, will forever cherish his "Gigi."

She is also survived by her siblings Rickie D. Bryant and Robin A. Bryant.

Penny was preceded in passing by her father James E. Bryant, her beloved mother Rosemary Bryant, and her brother Jimmy Bryant.

Her family will forever carry her love, her laughter, her warmth, and the countless memories of a woman who found her greatest happiness in the simple, beautiful act of being there for others.