Kathy R. Abrams

Kathy Renee Abrams (Bryant), age 51, born September 5, 1968 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Lovie Lee Bryant (Foster) and James Connally, unexpectedly went to be with the Lord. She made a lifelong impression on everyone she met. Her influence spans far due to the limitless reach of her mind and sheer will. Kathy’s presence felt larger than life. She was analytical, always on a quest for information and questioning everything in order to understand it and apply it to her life’s work. 

Her faith in the Lord ignited her soul and Kathy was passionate about living happily and unapologetically. A virtuous woman full of life, hope and faith; when Kathy set her mind to something, it was then etched in stone and actualized.

Kathy graduated from Patterson Co-op (1986) before carving out her own path amongst a family of military professionals. As the first to go to college amongst her siblings, she made education her platform to affect those in her circle of life. Amongst her many educational accomplishments are graduating from Central State University (B.S.Ed. 1990) and the University of Dayton (M.Ed. 1999). 

A dedicated math teacher for more than 20 years, Kathy began her journey as an educator with troubled youth in Job Corp. of Dayton, Ohio.  She impacted thousands of lives using education as her tool and life as her subject matter. Caring for her students was her mission. When a child was in need, she never hesitated to give them a notebook or snacks. Kathy was generous without hesitation.

Always thoughtful of others, Kathy could be found bringing fruit baskets to elders during the holidays; a tradition passed on to her from her name sake Aunt Catherine White. The go-to person for family event planning, Kathy always took on any challenging task with a list in hand and a well thought out plan. 

A woman of God she was a member of Phillips Temple Church until her last day. Her faith was reflected in her deeds for others. If you walked through her door, you could count on being fed and clothed and having at least a moment to rest your head.

While at Central State University, Kathy pledged Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority Inc. and anchored her line of seven. She was a beloved unifying force among her sorors. 

Her love of travel and family get-togethers took her around the world. Whether it was a long bike ride across the country with friends or a family cruise vacation, she brought jokes and lighthearted fun. She was the “champion” of many a family board game or game of spades and was never shy of reminding you of it in a spirited song.

Kathy was a beloved mother, sister, and auntie and is survived by: her two children James and John-Paul Abrams; siblings, Joseph Bryant, Jr., Joyce Bryant, Joellen Bryant, and Jowanna Bryant; nieces and nephews, Daphne Bryant (Sprong), LaVita Bryant, Marcus Merritt, Kathy Merritt, Kristen Dyer, Donnell Bryant, Joyce Goudy, Katria Goudy, Tyrome Bryant, Eric and Erica Bryant, and Joseph Bryant III; her lifelong best friend, Lisa McDaniel, and a host of extended family members and close personal friends.

Always pushing those she loved to be the best version of themselves, Kathy modeled her belief in the importance of family, love and laughter. Kathy would tell anyone what she thought, regardless of how hard it was to hear, and love them without judgement, no matter what the circumstances. She could be as ferocious as a mother grizzly bear protecting her cubs when it came to her family or something she believed in. A truly sensitive soul - that loved hard and laughed even more. 

The sun has set on this life, but memories of Kathy will be felt and shared by those who loved her for decades to come. 

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