Norma Bryan "Nimmie" Brawley

BRAWLEY, Norma "Nimmie" Bryan, of Charlottesville, died peacefully in her sleep on August 12, 2008 at age 93. Norma was always in motion and truly embraced life, her family, and her friends. She was an avid golfer, gardener, conservationist, and passionate sports fan. She rarely missed a home UVA football game, even at age 93, and encouraged her five children to play sports as well as to be good sports. A lover of many types of music and singing, she hosted numerous parties that involved singing around the piano. She traveled extensively through her life and loved hearing about her family members' travels. She was also an active volunteer for many civic organizations for over 80 years. The last remaining family member of her generation of Bryans from Richmond, Norma was much loved by her many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was born on September 12, 1914 in Richmond, the daughter of Thomas Pinckney and Helen (McGill) Bryan. She attended St. Catherine's School, St. Timothy's School, and graduated from Vassar College in 1935. Norma was married to Francis Poe Brawley from Greenville, South Carolina on June 23, 1938. They lived in Richmond for 18 years and then moved to Charlottesville in 1956. She is survived by her daughter, Norma Dugger and husband, John, of Bethesda, Maryland; daughter, Isobel Spink and husband, Shepard, of Ponte Vedra, Florida; daughter, Patsy Murray and husband, Gil, of Gainesville, Florida; son, Marion (Dickie) Brawley and wife, Joanie, of Winter Haven, Florida; and daughter, Frances Foster and husband, Will, of Charlotte, Vermont. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous other relations and friends. A memorial celebration of Nimmie's life will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Greenwood on Saturday, September 13, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Albemarle Garden Club, P.O. Box 5746, Charlottesville, Va. 22905; or the Martha Jefferson Hospital, 459 Locust Avenue, Charlottesville, Va. 22902. Friends may sign the guest book at www.hillandwood.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.