Mary Culbertson Bryan

Mary Culbertson Bryan WEST COLUMBIA - Mary Culbertson Bryan, 99, of Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, March 28, 2015, in West Columbia, SC. She was born on November 18, 1915, to Lucia Bolt and John Dennis Culbertson at Madden Station in Laurens County, S.C. She was married for 38 years to Louis C Bryan, who died in April of 1990. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, and returned for a time to serve her own home community in rural Laurens County. A beloved mother and grandmother, she is survived by a daughter, Jane French (Chris) of Souderton, PA, two granddaughters, Julia Coyle (Jared) of Phoenixville, PA, and Amy French of Chicago, IL, and a great-granddaughter, Geneva Coyle, also of Phoenixville, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, and all of her beloved brothers and sisters, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Ann Louise Bryan. She will be warmly remembered and deeply missed for many things: Her culinary gifts and the thousands of delectable gourmet meals, always garnished with her own distinctive and elegant touches, that she prepared for friends, family, and even strangers, with love, care, and attention to detail, yet without seeming to fuss; Her love of the outdoors and the beauties of nature, especially trees, flowers, and songbirds, and her brisk daily walks no matter the weather, a practice that undoubtedly contributed to her longevity; Her appreciation of the fine arts, music, and literature, and her delight in traveling the world to seek out and enjoy more of its artistic treasures--qualities that she passed along to her daughter and granddaughters; Her picturesque way of putting things into words, imparting her own unique turn of phrase to her spoken thoughts; And perhaps most of all, for the special bond she shared with her grandchildren, giving of herself, her time and resources, to bless them with unusual, delightful gifts and experiences. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Still Hopes, West Columbia, SC, with Fr. Johnnie Davis officiating. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to The Nature Conservancy, Spoleto Festival USA, Richland County Public Library Foundation, or charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.southcarolinacremation.com.