She was 91 years old. Though born in East Texas, she spent the majority of her life in Delhi.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Delhi Presbyterian Church on Saturday August 17, 2024 at 2 p.m. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until time of service. The service will be under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Delhi, with Reverand Chris Wright officiating.

Mrs. Bryan was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Mildred Brown; husband, John C. “Penny” Bryan; son, John Bennett “Benny” Bryan; son-in-law, George W. Bolton III- sister, Betty Thies and husband, Curtis Thies; and great grandson, Jeremiah Bolton.

Mrs. Bryan is survived by her beloved daughter, Mary Lynn Bolton Bruyninckx and husband, Joe Bruyninckx. She was exceptionally proud of her wonderful grandchildren, Bryan Bolton and wife, Rachel, of Nashville, TN, Caleb Bolton and wife, Amy, of Jacksonville, TX, and Sarah Ann Shields and husband, Fred, of Monroe.

She found great joy in the company of her precious great grandchildren, who include: George B. Bolton, Jude Bolton and Amos Bolton of Nashville, TN, Ben Bolton, Asher Bolton, Perri Bolton and Judah Bolton of Jacksonville, TX, and Bolton Shields and Crew Shields of Monroe.

Mrs. Bryan had a special relationship with her niece, Lee Ann Humphries, who was more like a daughter to her.

In her later years, Mrs. Bryan was blessed by the addition of bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jason and Emily Bruyninckx and their children, Meg and Debra, of Rayville, Matt and Mary Spicer and their children, Eli and Laura, of Oak Ridge, and Dr. Kyle and Jodee Bruyninckx and their children, Joe, Mary Rose, Becca and Sam ,of Monroe.

Mrs. Bryan was known for her warm, friendly smile which would light up a room and she welcomed everyone she met with open arms. Her faith in God helped her through difficult times of losses in her life, her husband and later her son. She had a servant’s heart and was among the first to prepare food or lend a helping hand when a need was revealed. She was selfless, always putting others before herself and giving her time to help those who needed a friend.

Having been born in East Texas, she moved to Delhi with her family in her high school years where she graduated from Delhi High School. She then continued on to Louisiana Tech where she became a die-hard Bulldog fan. She became a devoted wife to John “Penny” Bryan and a loving mother to Mary Lynn and Bennie. Mrs. Bryan adored raising her children and serving her congregation at Delhi Presbyterian Church. She served in many roles there throughout the years teaching children’s Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, singing in the Sanctuary Choir and diligently providing comfort and care to her church family through friendship and many pot luck dishes.

Mrs. Bryan entered the workforce at age 53 after the death of her husband in 1986. Richardson Medical Center in Rayville quickly became her home away from home. She was the first face guests would see as they entered and her tender spirit would ensure their needs were met. She cherished the many new friendships she developed during her over 20 years there and the family is thankful to all of those who loved her well during that time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Delhi Presbyterian Church or “Salvation’s Cross” in Rayville c/o Citizens Progressive Bank.

The family would like to thank her caregiver and friend, Carolyn Johnson, for her loving care over the last 13 years. In addition, the family thanks Dr. Kyle Bruyninckx and his staff for their medical care in the last years of her life and Elara Caring Hospice for their care in her final days.

The family rejoices in the comfort and assurance of knowing the she was welcomed Home by Jesus and reunited with faithful family and friends.