Shelba Jean Bryan

Shelba Jean Bryan, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, at the age of 87 in Wilmington, North Carolina. Born on November 12, 1938, in Garland, North Carolina, she was a cherished member of her community and family.

Shelba dedicated her professional life to the field of accounting, working diligently at both Kaiser and B & R Gas Company. Her meticulous nature and dedication to her work were admired by colleagues and clients alike.

Outside of her career, Shelba was a woman of diverse interests and passions. She had a love for the great outdoors, particularly enjoying a trip out west and camping with her late husband, where they often found solace and joy in the mountains, spending months at a time amidst nature's beauty. Her creative spirit shone through in her crafting, as she delighted in making cards and arranging flowers and wreaths. Her arrangements, often featuring blooms picked from her own yard, brought vibrancy and warmth to any room.

Shelba had a fondness for watching cooking shows, as well as classic programs like "The Lone Ranger" and "Judge Judy." Shopping was another of her pleasures, and she could spend hours browsing, with a particular affection for shoes and pocketbooks. Her love for hummingbirds and feeding birds added yet another layer to her appreciation for the simple joys of life.

She shared many treasured moments with her husband at the Elks Lodge, where they were known to light up the dance floor. Shelba was also an active member of Olivet Baptist Church, The Order of the Eastern Star, and The Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES (BPO Does), where she formed lasting friendships and contributed to her community.

Shelba is preceded in death by her parents, George and Clyde Smith, her brothers Earl and Paul, and her sister Patricia. She leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory: her son Michael Bryan, daughter Karen Bradham, grandchildren Mary Lauren, Kader, Briana, and Frankie, and great-grandchildren Ethan, McKinlee, and Remington.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30th, 2025, at 12 pm, followed by a memorial service at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, honoring Shelba's generous spirit and commitment to caring for others.

Shelba Jean Bryan will be dearly missed, but her legacy of love, laughter, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to share memories, photos, and condolences on the Tribute Wall.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wilmington Funeral & Cremation - Wilmington Chapel, 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 791-9099.