Geneva Jones Bryan

1912 - 2015

Geneva Jones Bryan

Nashville, TN

Geneva Jones Bryan passed away on June 6, 2015 at the age of 102.

Geneva, affectionately known as "Neva" to her family and friends, was born on June 23, 1912 in Nashville where she was a life-long resident.

Geneva's early education began at Peabody Demonstration School and Miss Annie Allison's School for Girls. Her education continued at Ward Belmont where she graduated from elementary school, high school and junior college. She excelled as a student and received numerous honors. At Ward Belmont she was Vice President of her Senior Class and Treasurer of the Ariston Club. She was Vice President and Board member of the Junior League of Nashville, President of the West End Home for Ladies Auxiliary, and Vice President and Board member of the Centennial Club. As a member of Vine Street Christian Church she was president of the Pilkington-Marshall Sunday School Class. In later years she rejoined Christ Church Cathedral, the church which she attended as a child and in which she was later married. She was a life member of the YWCA and a member of the Ladies Hermitage Association, the Vanderbilt Aid Society and Belle Meade Country Club.

Geneva is preceded in death by her husband, Worcester Allen Bryan Jr.; her parents, Charles Dudley Jones and Georgia Cole Knox Jones; and her brother, Dudley Knox Jones.

She is survived by her sons, Worcester Allen Bryan III (Frances) and Charles Jones Bryan and by Patricia Anderson Bryan. She is survived by her grandchildren, Wendall Lowe (J.P.), Worcester Bryan (Elaine), Patricia Bass (Frank), Charles Bryan (Karen) and Berry McNair and by her great-grandchildren, Powell Lowe, Owen Lowe, Sarah Lowe, Frank Bass, Neva Bass, Edwin Bass, Bryan Bass, Ellie Bryan, Allen Bryan, Morgan Bryan, Caroline Bryan, Anna Bryan and Marshall McNair.

Geneva's friends were numerous. Her demeanor was consistently cheerful, entertaining and positive. Her mental acuity and her memory were exceptional. She delighted in sharing with others her vast knowledge of various details and vivid descriptions of events and personalities covering more than a century of Nashville and Tennessee history.

Her life was replete with humor and surprises. At her 100th birthday party, she was presented with gifts from the Coca Cola Company in acknowledgment of her drinking three cokes per day for eighty years. When frequently asked her secret of longevity, her reply was, "Never, never exercise!" Her long, rich life was extraordinary and was indeed one to celebrate.

The family wishes to express their love and appreciation to the Reverend Canon Gene Manning for her faithful visitation and spiritual embrace. They also express appreciation to Barbara Sutherland and Michele Totty for their loving support and to the staff of West Meade Place and to Alive Hospice for their diligent care.

Graveside services will be held at 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 10, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will follow on Wednesday at Christ Church Cathedral from 11-1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Church Cathedral, 900 Broadway, Nashville TN 37203 or The Salvation Army, PO Box 78625, Nashville TN 37207.

Guestbook: www.crawfordservices.com

Crawford Mortuary & Crematory, 615-254-8200.