Verna Bryson

Verna Bryson of Balsam, NC, gained her heavenly home on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the age of 89. Verna was born on February 15th, 1936, to the late Thad and Letha Buchanan of the Greens Creek Community, Sylva, NC. She graduated in 1954 from Webster High School ( The Hilltoppers). Growing up, Verna learned love, warmth, and kindness from a large family, and always exemplified this to her own family, neighbors, and others throughout her life’s journey.

Verna was employed by Buster Brown, Sylco, and the Ashley Corporation as a textile seamstress. She loved her little vegetable garden, tending to her flowers, and thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors. Verna was a member of Balsam Baptist Church where she enjoyed being with her church family.

Verna was a devoted wife, mother, nanna, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, and friend . She was preceded in death by her husband , Jack Bryson, a sister, Ila Buchanan, and three brothers, Early, Glenn, and Dan Buchanan Sr.. She is survived by a daughter, Lisa Caldwell ( Eddie), Cornelius, NC, and a son, Randy Bryson ( Kim), Sylva, NC. Three grandchildren, Dustin Bryson (Heather), Sylva, NC, Aaron Bryson ( Tori) Sylva, NC, Shelby Rusch (Shannon), Cornelius, NC, and one step granddaughter, Alexis Greene (Corey), Aberdeen, NC, and nine great grandchildren. A sister, Ruth Warren (Ronnie), of Sylva, NC, Howard Buchanan (Sue), Jacksonville, Arkansas, and Roger Buchanan of Asheville, NC.

Though Verna’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, we know she is in the presence of her Lord and Savior. She will be remembered for her laughter, her unyielding devotion to her family, her kindness, and the numerous ways she touched the lives of all around her. She loved her family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren unconditionally.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the employees at Morningstar Assisted Living Facility and Four Seasons Hospice for the love, compassion, and kindness they surrounded Verna with.

Funeral services will be held at Balsam Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 16th, with visitation from 12-1, with the funeral to follow. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Pastors Greg Cullen, Lee Brooks , and Austin Frady will preside over the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Balsam Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.