Elnora Bryant Gay's Obituary
Elnora Bryant Gay formerly of Chattanooga, gained her angel wings on Friday, August 5, 2022. She went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Elnora was born on June 30, 1939, to John Wesley and Lula Mclaughlin Bryant, of Anniston Alabama. The Bryant family moved to Chattanooga, TN in 1939. She received public school education in Chattanooga, TN, graduating from Howard High School Class of 1958. She received her Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Development from Merritt College in Oakland, CA, and her bachelor’s degree in Human Development from California State University-Hayward.
Elnora married her high school sweetheart, the late Wallace Gay, Sr. They moved to Oakland, CA in 1961. They were married for 25 years and were blessed with two children, son, Wallace Gay Jr. and daughter, Valerie Gay Lloyd of Oakland CA. Elnora Gay was the Center Director of Aging Health, and Human Services (Sun Gate Center). In 2007 she retired after 37 years of dedicated service to the City of Oakland Head Start Program. Elnora confessed a belief in Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized and united with the Mount Paran Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Maurice Kirby in Chattanooga. She was a faithful member of the usher ministry. After moving to California, she joined and was one of the original members of Greater Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, Oakland under the leadership of the late Rev. George Bird. She served as a member of the choir, the usher board and as the church secretary for over 20 years. Under the new leadership of Bishop Keith L. Clark, she continued her membership at Word Assembly Church, Oakland. She was a faithful and dedicated member. Elnora loved the Lord and her Family. She was a devoted Christian Woman and was faithful in all that was asked of her to do. Elnora depended on her personal relationship with the Lord to get through tough times. Her favorite song was “Going Up Yonder.” Elnora enjoyed hosting and attending family get-togethers, going to the casino, and playing bingo. Elnora was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wallace Gay Sr.; father, John Wesley Bryant and mother, Lula McLaughlin Bryant; sisters, Ruth B. Tatum, Susie Mae Lucas, and Martha Louise White; brother, Alton Bryant; in-laws, Elbert Lee (Shirley) Gay, Elizabeth Octave (Jack) Seraile, Melvin Gay, David Gay, Callie Bryson, Sandra Gay, and Robert Gay. Elnora touched many lives in her lifetime. She leaves to cherish her memories; one son, Wallace Gay, Jr.; one daughter, Valerie (Edward) Lloyd of Oakland, CA; two brothers, Rev. Willie Bryant (Demaris) Bryant and Marvin Wesley Bryant of Oakland CA; three sisters, Adell Hill of Los Angeles, CA, Lorain Abernathy of Muscle Shoals, AL, and Rosetta B. Tipton of Chattanooga, TN; in-laws, Rev. Priscilla (James) Wallace Sr. and Cecila (Bertram) Brooks; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends all whom she loved and deeply touched. Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Elnora Bryant Gay, Friday, August 26, 2022. Viewing: 10:00 AM (PDT) - Service: 11:00 AM, at Word Assembly Church, 1445 23rd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606, Bishop Keith L. Clark, Pastor as the eulogist and Pastor Dwayne Wilson, Revelation Christian Fellowship will officiate. Services are entrusted to: C.P. Bannon Mortuary, 6800 International Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94621. Announced by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga, Inc.
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