Mary Ellan (Roberts) Bryson

Mary Bryson, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith. She was born on April 19, 1948, in Asheville to the late James W. Gardner and the late Elsie Mae Roberts.

Mary dedicated many years of her life to serving her community through her work with the Asheville City Schools system, where she worked in Food and Nutrition until her retirement. Her passion for nurturing others extended beyond the workplace and into her church, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Asheville, where she devoted herself as a Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School teacher for many years. Her faith was not only something she practiced but something she lived daily through her kindness and service to others.

She found great joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments — spending time with family, cooking meals for her loved ones, tending to her yard and flower garden, and taking pride in improving her home. Mary’s hands were rarely still, and her heart was always open. She was known for her kind, caring, and generous spirit, paired with a determination that guided her through life’s challenges. Her laughter and smile were  truly contagious, bringing comfort and joy to all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Other than her parents, Mary was also preceded in death by her beloved husband Charles H. Bryson of Asheville, her life companion King Thomas of Union, SC, her baby sister Clara B. Roberts of Asheville, and her bonus son, Vincent Bryson of Asheville.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children James Steven Bryson (Ann)of Charlotte, Charlene Bryson of Asheville, and Catherine Mitchell (Cameron) of London, KY, also her bonus son Eric Bryson (Gloria) of Philadelphia, PA.

She was a proud, loving and devoted grandmother to Eboni Bryson- Johnson (Jolor) of Greensboro, Kaila Bryson of Charlotte, Marlee Bryson of Asheville, Michael Bryson, Mariyah Turner, Malik Turner, and Andreus Roberts, all of London, KY. She also leaves behind her new great-grandson Kohen Monroe Bowling of Williamsburg, KY.

In addition, she is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will continue to carry her love and legacy forward.

Mary Bryson will be remembered not only for the life she lived, but for the lives she touched. Her presence was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Mary was laid to rest during a private family memorial.

The 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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