John Thomas 'High ' Bryant

John Thomas Bryant, age 68, crossed over from this to eternal life on Sunday November 9, 2014 surrounded by his loving family after an extended illness. John was born to Rev. Mobley Bryant and Geneva Roseberry of Steubenville, Ohio on May 1, 1946. “High John” graduated from Weir High School in 1965 where he was known to be the BEST running back of Weir Valley and is noted in many record books there. He also attended Tennessee State College. John married Florence “Fredi” Carter in 1968 and raised a family with their daughter Aja Y. Bryant for 17 years. John, a United States Army Vietnam Veteran (1965-1967) was also previously employed by the Ohio State University Hospitals and Anheuser-Busch Metal Container Corp from which he retired in 1999. “High John” was an independent entrepreneur from his retirement until his illness. John was an avid lover of the arts. John was well known in his local community for his smooth sax sounds, straight horn sounds, flutist peaks, and drummer rhythms. “High John” was a member of the MLK Center, Son of Kush, and the White Castle Kings until his departure. John is predeceased by birth parents and parents Henry (Mary) Taylor, brother Sterling Taylor and sister Betty Gillison. He is survived by his loving daughter, Aja (Jameel) Hawkins; grandchildren, Jameel A. Hawkins (II) and Amil Y. Hawkins; life partner, Harriette Woods; brothers, James (Jill) Bryant, Henry Taylor, John Taylor, Chauncey Roseberry, and Gary Roseberry; sisters, Orpha (Ward) Moore, Katie Lavender, Doris (Willie) Harris, Donna West, and Marilyn Carwins; and a host of nephews, nieces, and special friends.