Sadie "Bernice" Bryant Bryan

Sadie "Bernice" Bryan, a beloved Sunday school teacher and devoted family member, peacefully passed away at her home on March 21, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on April 4, 1935, Bernice lived a life marked by her unwavering faith, dedication to others, and love for her family.

Throughout her life, Bernice was a remarkable presence in the church community. She not only served as a Sunday school teacher and youth leader but was also actively involved in the Women's Ministry and contributed her talents to puppet ministry alongside her late husband, Hubert Huston Bryan, with whom she shared a remarkable 71 years of marriage. Her passion for nurturing the spiritual growth of children and young people formed a cornerstone of her life's work.

Bernice's family and friends remember her as a great listener, an exceptional homemaker, an avid gardener, and a talented seamstress. Known for her cooking and baking, she delighted many with her prepared meals, especially for those who were sick. This selflessness and care for others were among her proudest accomplishments and are fondly remembered by those whose lives she touched.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, George Washington Bryant and Sadie Beatrice Merritt Bryant; husband, and brothers: Hubert and Earl Bryant. She is survived by her son, George Alan Bryan and his wife Cindy of Elizabethtown; her daughter, Sheila Denise Bryan of Elizabethtown; her sister, Betty Griffin of Concord; and her granddaughter, Karen Beth Gatwood and her husband Aaron of Little River, SC.

Bernice's legacy continues through her loving family and the countless children she inspired and cared for throughout her life. Her spirit of generosity and compassion will resonate within the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be dearly missed but lovingly remembered for the warmth she brought to a world that is now dimmer without her.

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm on Tuesday, March 25th at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, March 26th at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home with Reverend Elton Bryan officiating the service. Burial will follow in the Elizabethtown City Cemetery.