Born in Southport, North Carolina, Bryant earned an undergraduate degree in history and comparative area studies from Duke University in 1977, then earned her Juris Doctor degree from North Carolina Central University in 1982.
In 2001, Bryant was appointed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals by Gov.
In 2004, she was elected to an eight-year term on the North Carolina Court of Appeals (expiring 2012).
In the 2012 election, Bryant was endorsed for reelection for her final term by the (Raleigh) News and Observer, which cited her "wide-ranging experience in the law.
Governor Roy Cooper awarded her the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.