Joseph Overman Bryant

Joseph Overman Bryant, 29, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2015 at his home in Lynchburg, VA. He was his mom’s miracle; born with cystic fibrosis, he survived surgery when he was a day old. He was a fighter, and despite his illness, lived life on his terms. Even after a horrible accident, he remained strong and fought to be independent. Joe’s sense of humor and love of family and friends carried him through even the toughest days. His stubbornness, faith and spirituality lead him to find answers about the afterlife that few have the courage to seek, much less the ability to comprehend. Joe was a passionate writer, and his family looks forward to publishing his memoirs in the hopes he can inspire others who are facing life’s challenges.

Joe is survived by his mother Sandra Bryant, his father Clark Bryant, his grandparents Edward and Vernelle Overman and Jean Bryant, his sisters Stephanie Suter (and her children Benjamin and Emily) and Tara Balmer (and her husband Hunter), his 6 aunts and their husbands, and many many cousins.

Thank you to all the doctors at UVA for defying the odds more times than we can count, and giving us so much more time than we ever thought possible. Thank you also to Centra Hospice who, when Joe was ready, allowed him to go at home, on his terms and at peace.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2015, at Peakland United Methodist Church. Entombment will follow in the Peakland United Methodist Church Columbarium.

The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall of the church after the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 1500 Forest Ave., Suite 124, Richmond, VA 23229.