Darlene Michelle Bryant

In Loving Memory of Darlene Michelle Bryant

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well-lived, we celebrate the legacy of Darlene Michelle Bryant, a woman whose voice, spirit, and unwavering faith touched countless lives. Darlene was born on April 21, 1963, in Massillon, Ohio, attended Massillon Washington Senior High School, and obtained her GED in 1981. She transitioned peacefully on April 12, 2025, just shy of her 62nd birthday.

Darlene lived a life filled with purpose and passion. She served in the nursing field with compassion and dedication, and later took to the open road with her husband, Clark Bryant, as part of the Barr Nunn Trucking Company. Married on July 14, 2003, their journey together was built on love, faith, and adventure.

Music was the soundtrack of Darlene’s life. A gifted and dynamic singer, she shared her voice across countless stages-from singing with the band Strictly Business to opening for KC & The Sunshine Band. She performed on BET’s Comic View, and twice graced the stage of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her soul-stirring performances with praise teams and church choirs were a testament to her deep faith. She was a true servant of God, using her voice to glorify Him and uplift others.

Among her many proud accomplishments, Darlene never forgot the moment she passed the agility test for the Massillon Fire Department-a symbol of her strength and determination.

Above all else, she cherished her family. She beamed with pride over her two sons, Alva Montale Watkins and Akeem Markees Watkins (Tahlia), admiring the men they’ve become and the way they serve their families and communities. Darlene’s nurturing spirit extended to her daughters-in-love, Marshae Watkins and Selena Bustamante, and her heart overflowed with love for her grandchildren: Maeshon, Kyra, Nate, Are’ya, Se’Leah, Nasine, Akeem, Tahj, and her great-grandson, Onyx.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents Samuel Turner and Loretta Russell (Joseph), and brothers Johnnie and Darreyl Turner. She leaves behind a loving husband, Clark Bryant, her devoted siblings Anna (Charles) Perry and Paul (Tina Davis) Turner, and a host of nieces and nephews: Kendalin, Shanna (Adam), Shawanda, Brittny (Errik), Paige, Justin, and Kashous (Corrine).

She is also remembered fondly by her longtime friend Gerri Latimore, best friend Jackie Carter, her beloved “Sistah Cousins” Karen Grier and Kathy Howard, and cousin AJ Grier, as well as a vast community of extended family and friends.

Darlene’s life was a beautiful melody-a joyful, faithful, powerful anthem of love, service, and praise. May we carry her song in our hearts forever.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Zion's Temple Church of God, 1103 7th St. NE Canton, OH 44704 on Friday, April 25th from 12:00 p.m. until the memorial service that begins at 1:00 p.m. with Minister Angela Williams officiating. To leave a special message for Darlene's family, please visit the guest book below.