Sharon Lee (Heaton) Bryant

Sharon Lee (Heaton) Bryant, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, departed this world on December 19, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family in Eldorado, Illinois. Born on November 23, 1935, in Linton, Indiana, she was the cherished daughter of Floyd Allen Heaton and Mildred L. (Cunningham) Heaton.

Sharon led an extraordinary life characterized by her kind-hearted and welcoming spirit. She devoted her days to nurturing others, both in her professional career as a cook at the Bowen Center in Harrisburg, Illinois, and as a health care worker and hairdresser. Her culinary talents truly made her a magician in the kitchen, where meals became gatherings of joy and laughter. Sharon's nurturing nature extended beyond meals; she was a constant source of support and love for her family, always ensuring they felt cherished and secure.

On July 20, 1962, she married her devoted husband, Ezra Leon Bryant, who stood by her side throughout their 50 years together, building a family before Leon's passing on October 17th, 2013. Their union was blessed with children: Marcia (Larry) Stout, Sheila (Ken) Hirn, Michael Bryant, James (Mary E.) Combs, Jerry (Pam) Bryant, and Kerry (David) Joyner, who carried the light of her life – her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Sharon's legacy shines through in the 16 grandchildren, Stephanie (Jeff) Jones, Ashley Etheridge, Scott Stout, Sharon (Bruce) Powell, Carla (Carlos) Landverde, Kristi (Joel) Galarza, Katie Combs, Jamie (Paul) Dunk, Jared Combs, Hanna (Mike) Bryant, Jake Bryant, Rachel (Jessica) Joyner, Casey (Andrew) Robinson. 20 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who will forever hold her in their hearts. And her surviving siblings Mike (Ann) Heaton, Jackie (Richard) King, Chris (Leroy) Parson and Kevin (Carolyn) Heaton. She will also be missed by special friends, Connie Hernandez and Lu (Carl) LaCross. And her special sister-in-law Betty Heaton and niece Deb Heaton.

Sharon had a passion for playing Bingo, often engaging in friendly competition that brought her immense joy. Her family and friends will remember her for her wonderful ability to create lasting memories, each cherished moment wrapped in love.

She will reunite with her husband, parents, her son Eddie Combs, son-in-law Larry Stout, grandchildren Matthew Combs, Molly Bryant and Shawn Stout and siblings Floyd Heaton Jr., Gary (Cathy) Heaton, Cathy Lynch, Shirley Weaver, Jeffery Heaton and Paulette Heaton, who await her in eternal peace.

In honoring Sharon’s memory, visitation will be held on December 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Vickery Funeral Chapel - Shawneetown Location, followed by a funeral service beginning at 2:00PM. She will be laid to rest at Elmwood Cemetery at 3:00 PM that same day.

As we reflect on the life of Sharon Lee (Heaton) Bryant, we are reminded to carry forward her legacy of kindness, compassion, and familial love. In her simple yet profound way, she believed in the beauty of life and the power of love, embedding those values deep within the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.