Elle Iman Bryant

Elle Iman Bryant, age 21, was born June 29, 2004, in Richmond, Virginia. Her family relocated to Frisco, Texas when she was very young and where many of her most cherished memories were made. From the very beginning, Elle brought joy, laughter, and light to everyone blessed to know her. One of the most treasured relationships in Elle’s life was the special bond she shared with her twin brother, Noah, whom she truly adored.

Elle had a deep love for sports, especially basketball. A fierce competitor with a genuine love for the game, she played AAU basketball throughout middle and high school and later shared her passion by coaching. She began playing on the Girls’ Varsity basketball team as a freshman and continued to play throughout her years at Independence High School in Frisco, TX. A devoted sports fan, Elle cheered faithfully for the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia Eagles.

In Frisco, Elle built lifelong friendships that became family. The Owens family—Charles, Tiffiany, Taylor, Brian, and Meech—embraced Elle as one of their own and became a second family to her. Elle was also blessed to connect and bond with extended family in the Dallas, TX area. These relationships were strengthened through time spent together during holidays and special occasions. She shared cherished memories with the Brown family—Daril Brown, Sr. and his spouse, Latonja Brown, MD, and their sons, Brandon and Daril Brown, Jr, Ph.D.—as well as the Roane family—Elmer “Mer” (Leslie) Roane, Lilly, and especially Leah Roane, with whom Elle shared a particularly special bond.

Elle also treasured time spent with her paternal family from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania- Ethel and Gianni Shaw; Barbara Hunt Brown; Raymond James; and John James, III (Francine) and their sons.

Above all, Elle was a devoted believer in Christ. Her faith guided her life, and she consistently attended church and Bible study, seeking to grow spiritually and live with purpose. Her love for God was evident in her character, kindness, and the way she treated others.

From an early age, Elle was known for her infectious laugh—one that could fill a room and lift spirits instantly. She was the entertainer of the family, especially for her cousins, always finding ways to make them laugh. Though small in stature, Elle spoke her mind with conviction and confidence, never afraid to stand firm in who she was. Elle was a senior at Grambling State University, where she was studying Forensic Psychology. During her college years, she formed close and meaningful friendships, including relationships with Halaya Fusilier, Kaleb Hargrove, and Mo Ajao, who became an important part of her life and journey.

Elle was especially close to her grandmother, Nina, whom she loved dearly and often took shopping and to church. She also doted over her beloved dog, Sheba, who held a special place in her heart.

Elle was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mr. Joseph Bryant, Sr., Norma Jean Bryant, and Herman “Chick” Burrell, Jr. Elle leaves to cherish her precious memories, her loving parents, Joseph and Dione Bryant; her twin brother, Noah Bryant; her grandmother, Nina Christian; her step-grandmother, Diane Burrell; her aunts, Nina Burrell-Braxton, D.P.M. (William), Tamara Bryant, Andrea Parkes (Dwayne), Brittany Burrell, Wanda Burrell and Kimberly Webster; her uncles, H. Louis Burrell, III (Vera) and Tony Witcher; her devoted cousins, Natalie Burrell, Jordan Hayes, Byron Burrell, Christina Sims and Darrick Sims; Godparents, Andre and Mateshia Wright; and a host of other relatives, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched.

Though her time with us was far too short, Elle Iman Bryant’s life was full of love, laughter, faith, and impact. Her spirit will live on forever in the hearts of all who loved her.

Weep not for me,or wish me back “I am from my pain now free”; “There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain”.-Revelation 21:4

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Therapy Fund at: https://thelovelandfoundation.org/therapy-fund/