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Johannah Bryant Obituary

Johannah J. Bryant of Lawrence, KS passed away on December 7, 2024 at the age of 81 of complications from a stroke. Jo was born on September 16, 1943 to James B. Jones and Eileen Henshaw Jones in St. Louis, MO. Jo graduated from Brentwood High School and then went on to major in Religion and Philosophy at DePauw University. She also received her master's degree in Student Personnel Management in Higher Education at Syracuse. Jo dedicated her life to serving the needs of her community through both her career choices and the many community service roles she fulfilled during her lifetime. She and her ex-husband, Gary Bryant, participated in the Vista Volunteer program working with underserved populations in the U.S. Her most notable career positions were as the executive director of Kansas Action for Children in Topeka where she helped to develop the Kids Count book which is still in publication today, and as the Director of the United Way of Douglas County from 1981-1986 and again from 1998-2008. Some of the many community leadership positions Jo held throughout her lifetime include the Douglas County Citizen Review Board for 19 years, the Early Childhood Trauma Collaborative, the City Alcohol Tax Advisory Board for 6 years, a volunteer for Rape Victim Support Services helping victims for 9 years, and the Kansas Children's Coalition for 9 years. She continued to be active in her community after retirement by advocating for programs which she felt were vital to improving life for her community.

Jo will be lovingly remembered by her two children, Leticia Cole (Jason) and Sarah Maier (Andy), her brother, Jamie Jones (Barb), and her six grandchildren, Carson, Cali, and Emery Cole and Ella, Owen, and Mackenzie Maier. Jo was a long time resident of Lawrence, KS and had an amazing network of friends and colleagues with whom she regularly connected. In her free time she enjoyed reading on her own or as part of her book clubs, meeting with her Spirit Group, traveling with friends and family, and spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. Jo was regarded by others as strong, determined, thoughtful, and intentional. Everything Jo did in life was done with purpose and thought, from the career positions she chose, to the gifts she selected, to the words she wrote. The Lawrence community has lost one of its very special community servants. Jo's legacy will live on in the many community foundations she played a role in forming and growing.

A memorial service will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church on February 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, Jo would want her friends and family to contribute to a recent passion of hers in her memory:

The Community Children's Center: Communitychildrenks.org/donate (please check the box which allows you to dedicate the donation to Jo). Or you can mail payment to: 346 Maine St, Lawrence, KS, 66044.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Dec. 19, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Johannah Bryant

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Melinda (Santo) Cooper

January 3, 2025

My name is Melinda Cooper, and I am Carol Santo´s daughter. My Mom was Jo, Susan and Jamie´s cousin. I am so sorry to hear of your Mom, Grandmother, and Sister´s passing! I only met Jo once when we came to visit your family when I was a teenager; but I remember her being so sweet and kind. I thought she was the cutest little lady! I was trying to find you all to let you know that my Mom passed away today, (Jan. 3rd, 2025) and I happened to stumble upon Jo´s obituary. What an extraordinary life she lived! Such an accomplished woman. You must be incredibly proud of her many achievements! But more than that, she sounds like a lovely woman of God. That is the highest achievement in my book! My Mom talked so fondly about Jo, and liked to recall all the fun they had together as girls. I know she loved her time growing up with all her Jones cousins, her Aunt Eileen, Uncle Jimmy, and later, Uncle Grant. My Mom suffered from Dementia/Alzheimer´s, and passed away in her sleep this morning at 82. I just thought you guys would like to know! I´m glad I know now about Jo´s passing, as well. What a reunion they must have had today in Heaven! My deepest condolences to all of you, and please know that I am praying for healing and comfort for your whole family.

Cindy Lilleoien

January 2, 2025

I had the privilege of working with Jo at United Way in the 80s. We continued to be friends after I moved out of state, and I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Lawrence and the entire state were better communities because of Jo. My condolences to her daughters and her extended family.

Kim Louise Murphree

December 30, 2024

What a loss to our world. Jo Bryant endured so much and remained the kind, compassionate, determined spirit that succeeded in inspiring all of us to do good, to do better, to love more. I remember her when I was a girl at Plymouth Congregational--then, later as I saw her in the community and worked for charity events---there she was---always with a smile--and usually on a mission. Jo---thank you so much for everything. Sending love and prayers to her family and friends.

Gregg Bryant

December 23, 2024

Our condolences to Leticia and Sarah and family at Jo's passing. I have fond memories of deep discussions with her during our Rochester NY and Boston days in the Sixties. She was a wonderful asset to the communities she lived and worked in.

Gayla Carr Schmitz

December 23, 2024

My prayers and sympathy for all the family. Jo did a lot for the church and community.

Lenette Hamm

December 20, 2024

I met Jo when she joined the board of Kansas Advocates for Better Care several years ago. I so enjoyed working with her, becoming better acquainted and hearing her talk so lovingly about her children and grandchildren. She was one amazing woman and will be missed.

Deb Drummet

December 19, 2024

I worked with Jo during my tenure on the united Way. She was an excellent ED and great to work with. She cared.
Jo will be missed.

Kim Polson

December 19, 2024

I had the pleasure of working with Jo as part of the Early Childhood Trauma Collaborative and most recently, in her support of our work at Community Children's Center. She was a joy to be around and an example of strength, integrity, and humility. She will be remembered and missed.

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1

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

Plymouth Congregational Church

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