From Purpose of God Annex  

On a recent visit to Kentucky Elder Ethel J. Bryant, of Washington, was awarded the Kentucky Colonel Award in the capital city of Frankfort, Kentucky. The Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Commissions for Kentucky Colonels are given by the governor and the secretary of state to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation. Kentucky Colonel recipients are unwavering in devotion to faith, family, fellowman and country. They are passionate about being compassionate, proud, yet humble. Leaders who are not ashamed to follow; gentle but strong in will and commitment. The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, as a brotherhood, reaches out to care for our children, support those in need and preserve our rich heritage.

Elder Bryant has visited the city on numerous occasions. She has served as guest speaker for a variety of special events and programs during her visits to the city. Her messages at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church inspired many. St. John is one of the oldest churches in the city, with its founding in 1840. The church celebrated its 175th anniversary earlier this year. The home church of Elder Bryant’s daughter, granddaughters and great-granddaughter, St. John is one of the largest churches in Frankfort.

“We are so proud of our mother and grandmother; she has done great work in God’s ministry throughout the United States and abroad over her life.  She does not meet strangers, and she welcomes and serves everyone with the love of God wherever she goes.  While this award was a surprise to all of us, it is befitting and well deserved.  It is so good to see that others see what we see in Elder Ethel J. Bryant.  She is a God-fearing woman, who demonstrates his love in all that she does. She is unwavering in devotion to her faith, family, and others; she is passionate and compassionate, humble and knows how to lead and follow,” states Downing.

Bryant is the wife of Arthur D. Bryant and mother of five children, Beverly Downing of Frankfort, Kentucky, Anita B. Jones (deceased), Bishop Samuel Jones Jr. of Washington, Steven Jones of Chocowinity and Cassandra Stone of Raleigh. She has also been honored in the past by the City of Washington on two occasions and given a humanitarian award from the state of North Carolina. She received a key to the city and October 21, 2010 was proclaimed “Ethel J. Bryant’s Day” by the City of Washington.