On Monday, November 16, 2020, Curtis “Tree” Bryant, our beloved brother and father of two daughters, passed away at the age of 75. He attended Centralia City Schools, graduating from Centralia High School, Class of 1965. He was known as, Bear, Tree, or just “CB”. Curtis loved the game of basketball. He became famous, as a Centralia Orphan, for making the longest shot in Trout Gymnasium, during The Centralia Holiday Tournament, beating #1 ranked, Thornton, at the buzzer. He was recognized as the best rebounder for his size. Curtis also, was a motivator and an avid listener. He loved the city of San Francisco, California. He was elected Mayor of Divisadero, a very close-knit neighborhood of San Francisco. Curtis was known for leading family and friends into celebrating and enjoying life.
The funeral will be held as follow, on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at New Covenant Church, 620 E Rexford St, Bishop Henry Dabney, and Pastor Jason Bryant officiating. Visitation: from, 9-11am, with funeral services starting at 11am. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by Centralia VFW Post 2055 and American Legion Post 446. All who attend must wear a face mask. Social distancing is encouraged. 75 people capacity enforced. Flowers, Cards, and Donations can be sent to Irvin-Macz Funeral Home, 234 S. Elm, Centralia, IL. Online condolences and memories of Curtis may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
He leaves to cherish, two daughters, Gina Wesley of Atlanta, GA and Trulise Crayton of San Diego, CA. Surviving brothers, Richard (Shirley) of Royal Lakes, IL, Raymond of Birmingham AL, Thomas of Mt Vernon, IL, Steve of Eddyville, KY, Otis of Jacksonville FL, and Jimmy (Jeanne) of St Louis. We want to recognize our Honorary Aunt Ophelia Burns, his favorite. We salute, our surviving, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, far and near. Special Thanks to: Leigh Ellison, Christina Ellison, Veronica Tillers, James and all of the caretakers in San Francisco. Big Thank you to The People of The Divisadero Neighborhood, in San Francisco, salute to all of you for loving and caring for our big brother.
Curtis was born on January 26, 1946 in Centralia, IL, to Melvin & Mattie (Bradford) Bryant. Curtis was preceded in death by his, father and our beloved mother, Mattie. Also, brothers, Rev. Dr. Samuel L Bradford, Walter “Doc” Bryant, and Robert “Moose” Bryant.
