Shirley Wilson Bryan

1933 - 2025

Shirley Wilson Bryan
February 1, 1933 - June 29, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Shirley Wilson Bryan, who left us peacefully on June 29, 2025. She was surrounded by her family, with Willie Nelson ballads playing softly in the background.
Shirley was born on February 1, 1933, to Cecil and Erline Wilson of Houston. She is survived by her son, Scott Bryan, and daughter-in-law, Helen Bryan, of San Antonio; her daughter, Shari Bryan, of Washington, D.C.; her grandson, Jeffrey Bryan, and his wife, Julie Bryan; and her great-grandchildren, Macie Berberich, Addison Bryan, Weston Bryan, Wyatt Bryan, Holden Bryan, and Hallie Bryan, all of Rockwall.
Other close family members include her sister-in-law, Karen Bryan; nephews Mark Strong and Michael Strong; and niece Michelle Strong, all of Houston. She is also survived by sister-in-law Betty Wilson, nephew Alan Wilson and his wife Misty, and niece Doris Wilson, all of Albuquerque.
Shirley grew up in West University, Houston, and graduated from Lamar High School and Texas Christian University. In 1955, she married Richard R. (Dick) Bryan of Houston. Together, they spent the next 50 years living and traveling throughout Texas and around the world.
Shirley was a proud Texan who was also a global explorer and a lifelong student of culture, art, architecture, music, and cuisine. She and Dick visited over 50 countries across six continents and lived in places as far-flung as the Amazon rainforest of Peru and Athens, Greece. She hiked the Austrian Alps, scuba-dived with sharks in the Pacific, went on safari in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, and landed on glaciers in New Zealand. Along the way, she formed lasting friendships with fellow travelers, guides, and locals, many of whom she brought home to Texas, always eager to share her Texas hospitality.
Shirley was a devoted community servant. In Houston, she served as President of the United Nations Association. After relocating to San Antonio, she became deeply involved in the Battle of Flowers Association, the Assistance League, the Live Oak Garden Club, the Texas Burn Survivors Association, and the Family Service Association, where she also served as President. Most dear to her heart was her work helping others-as a certified mediator with the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center and as a case worker at the Hope Center at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church.
A dedicated Methodist, Shirley was actively involved in Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston and later, Alamo Heights United Methodist Church in San Antonio.
After nearly 40 years in San Antonio, Shirley spent her final years in Boerne at Morningside at Menger Springs. Her family is deeply grateful for the love and care shown by the Menger Springs community.
Shirley will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, boundless curiosity, and deep commitment to both her family and her community. She lived joyfully-singing out loud, dancing whenever she could, and making friends wherever she went. She never met a stranger.
A service in her honor will be held at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Morningside Ministries Covenant Fund or the Hope Center at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church.
Please visit ebensberger-fisher.com to check service times or leave condolences for the family.