Maria Bryant

Maria Denise Bryant, 70 of Denver, Colorado passed away peacefully on May 24, 2021. She was born on April 8, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa to Marcella Bell.

Maria was raised in Iowa, those who knew her would often describe her as being such a fun-loving child. She enjoyed roller skating, dancing, and spending time with her mother and friends.  She grew up with Alva “Sister” Waldron, Gaynail, Donna and met Donna Penn and Debra Jones when she moved to Colorado.   These all would all become lifetime friends of hers.

Maria began working when she was 17 years old at Northwestern Bell as she worked her way through school. Little did she know, she would stay with this company for 20 years. In 1969 she graduated from Des Moines Technical High School where she created her life’s blueprint. Maria would later meet Russell Phillip Bryant II in Waterloo, Iowa, they began their lives together and had one son, Russell Phillip Bryant III. Years later she moved to Denver, Colorado and worked for the City of Aurora. After 10 years of dedicated work, she then took a position working for the State of Colorado until her retirement in 2016. Maria’s retirement would allow her to spend more time with her family, especially with her grandson Kailen (Ky-Len).

To know Maria was to the kindest person ever, she had a way of making people feel better and always treated people fairly. She made many sacrifices for others, and it did not go unnoticed. Although Maria was super kind, she did not believe in taking shortcuts, and her work ethic was very infectious. This would in turn motivate anyone who would spend time with her. When she had free time, she enjoyed shopping for deals and spending time with family. The world has lost an amazing person, but Heaven has gained an angel. She will truly be missed.

She is survived by her son Russell Phillip Bryant III; Mother Marcella Bell; sisters Loleta Harris and Vinita Lewis; grandson Kailen Bryant, niece Trinity Bloodworth and a host of family and friends.