My husband, Jonathan Bryant, was a hero in every sense of the word. He and I were teachers at Hibriten High School in Lenoir, NC, and Jonathan was a walking encyclopedia when sharing his wealth of knowledge on any topic. His love for knowledge inspired him to become a well-respected social studies teacher. His passion was to teach future generations about the significance of all historical events, especially World War II and the Holocaust. He lovingly earned the title of “the historian” by his department colleagues.
Jonathan was also a devoted reenactor of WWII events and the Civil War as a member of the 26th NCT from Caldwell County. He truly loved Jesus, his family, students, school, and community. He enjoyed traveling, but most of all, he loved spending time with his grandson—who was only 11 months old when his Pappaw left to live with Jesus. Jonathan was 57 years old when he made his journey to Heaven.
An Unexpected Tragedy
Jonathan was an extremely active man with no major health issues. In June 2024, he was one of 40 social studies teachers chosen from North Carolina to travel to Poland for a 10-day tour of the Holocaust concentration and death camps and ghettos in Krakow and Warsaw. He also had the opportunity to worship in the synagogues and visit many other historical landmarks.
He was bringing his experiences back to his classroom in preparation for an honors-level Holocaust class proposal he was hoping to have approved for teaching the next year.
On the morning of November 12, 2024, Jonathan arrived at school and experienced an odd pain that went across his upper body. After visits to the emergency room and cardiologist, two normal EKGs on two different days, one ultrasound, and complete lab work, it was determined that there was nothing of urgency. The cardiologist scheduled a heart catheterization for the next available appointment on November 26, just to make sure there were no blockages.
But on the morning of November 19, 2024, while preparing for school, he collapsed while getting out of the shower. When I got to him, he told me he could not breathe. Immediately, I called 911.
As the emergency medical workers arrived, he was talking to us and breathing through an oxygen mask. I was assuring him that he was going to be okay. A few minutes later, he was unconscious. They began CPR and transported him to the hospital.
Jonathan had a pulmonary embolism during which an undetected blood clot in his body went to his lung, leading him to be deprived of oxygen for over 40 minutes and causing the right side of his heart to enlarge. The clot was dissolved and he remained on a ventilator. Upon removal from the vent, he had peacefully been ushered to Heaven by angels.
Committed to Donation
My husband and I dated for six years through high school and college and were married for 33 years.
He had a much younger cousin who was born with a congenital heart defect. In August of 1993, his cousin was hospitalized in Winston-Salem for 21 days as he was awaiting a heart transplant. He made his journey to Heaven during this time at the age of 13. He was such a sweet young man who loved basketball, baseball, and the Atlanta Braves. We loved him so much.
After his death, my husband and I became registered organ donors, and we discussed our wishes with each other in the event that either of us passed away unexpectedly and had organs or tissue that could be donated.
In addition, I have a lifelong best friend whose daughter was the recipient of a bone marrow transplant, two students who both received heart transplants, a member of our community who received heart and lung transplants, and a cousin who may need a kidney transplant in the future. Needless to say, we strongly urge and support anyone who is able to become registered organ donors.
Honoring Jonathan’s Decision
Being an organ donor is extremely important to our family. Life is a gift, and organ donation is an important part of that gift. Knowing that we honored my husband’s decision has helped tremendously in dealing with the painful void and loneliness his absence has created.
Our peace ultimately comes from knowing that we will see him again in our Heavenly home.
75 or more lives can be saved and healed by one organ, eye, and tissue donor. Sign up today!
