Birth Date: 03/02/1945
Deceased Date: 09/19/2024
Viewing
Fri, October 4, 2024
1:00 – 6:00 pm
Sanders Funeral Home Chapel
806 E Market St,
Smithfield, NC 27577
Visitation
Sat, October 5, 2024
11:00am – 12:00 pm
First Missionary Baptist Church
403 Caswell St,
Smithfield, NC 27577
Funeral Service
Sat, October 5, 2024
12:00 – 1:00 pm
First Missionary Baptist Church
403 Caswell St,
Smithfield, NC 27577
Interment
Sat, October 5, 2024
Selma Memorial Gardens, NC
Selma, NC
Please visit www.rlsandersfuneralhome.org to leave your online condolences.
On March 2, 1945, God gifted Ira Thomas and Lillian Holden Bryant with their beloved daughter, Constance Dianne Bryant. Born as the third of three children, Dianne was raised in the warm and nurturing environment of Smithfield, North Carolina, surrounded by family.
From a young age, Dianne’s faith was an integral part of her life. She was an active member of First Missionary Baptist Church, where she was baptized and served her church community. Dianne’s commitment to both her education and her faith was evident throughout her life. After graduating from Johnston County Training School (later Johnston Central High School) in 1963, she pursued higher education at North Carolina Central University in Durham, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968.
Always eager to learn and grow, she continued her academic journey at George Washington University in Washington, DC, where she received her Master of Arts degree in 1972. Dianne’s professional journey began in Johnston County, where she spent two years teaching, before relocating to Maryland. She soon took on a position as an elementary school teacher in Washington, DC, where she dedicated over three decades of her life to shaping the minds of young students. Her commitment to education spanned over 40 years, and even after her retirement, Dianne continued to share her knowledge as a substitute and specialty reading teacher. Her love for her students and her passion for teaching left an indelible mark on the many lives she touched.
In Maryland, Dianne became an active and devoted member of Contee A.M.E. Zion Church in Washington, DC. There, she faithfully served in multiple capacities-Superintendent of Sunday School, member of the Missionary Society, President of the Kettering Baptist Church in Maryland, where she found another spiritual home and continued to grow. At Kettering, Dianne served as a dedicated member of the Scholarship Ministry and the teaching staff for Vacation Bible School, in addition to her participation in other church ministries. Dianne had a deep love for her family and cherished the time she spent with them. She loved planning family reunions, traveling with loved ones, and staying connected with the people who meant the most to her. Her vibrant spirit and warmth made her a beloved friend and confidante to many.
Dianne was preceded in death by her sister, Betty J. Cheseman, and her brother, Thomas Lawrence Bryant.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion in the hearts of her surviving family members: two devoted nephews, Gregory D. Cheseman (Lisa) and Bryan P. Cheseman; her devoted niece, Michelle Bryant; great-nephews Hasani and Joshua Cheseman; her sister-in-law, Bettie Bryant; and her devoted cousin, Robin L. Williams. She also leaves behind her loving Goddaughter, Sanya Smith, along with a host of cousins, adopted nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever remember her kindness, wisdom, and faith.
Her life was a testament to love, faith, and service. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Senior Choir, and Director of Vacation Bible School. Her faith journey later led her to Kettering Baptist Church in Maryland, where she found another spiritual home and continued to grow. At Kettering, Dianne served as a dedicated member of the Scholarship Ministry and the teaching staff for Vacation Bible School, in addition to her participation in other church ministries.
Dianne had a deep love for her family and cherished the time she spent with them. She loved planning family reunions, traveling with loved ones, and staying connected with the people who meant the most to her. Her vibrant spirit and warmth made her a beloved friend and confidante to many.
Dianne was preceded in death by her sister, Betty J. Cheseman, and her brother, Thomas Lawrence Bryant. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion in the hearts of her surviving family members: two devoted nephews, Gregory D. Cheseman (Lisa) and Bryan P. Cheseman; her devoted niece, Michelle Bryant; great-nephews Hasani and Joshua Cheseman; her sister-in-law, Bettie Bryant; and her devoted cousin, Robin L. Williams. She also leaves behind her loving Goddaughter, Sanya Smith, along with a host of cousins, adopted nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever remember her kindness, wisdom, and faith.
Her life was a testament to love, faith, and service. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
