Shirley Bryan

Shirley Ann Bryan, age 88, of Chilhowee, Missouri, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Lee's Summit Medical Center.
Born on February 25, 1937 in Gilliam, Missouri, Shirley was the daughter of Edward Harrison ("E.H.") Morgan and Ann (Merritt) Morgan. She graduated from Kansas City Central High School and married Dale Louis Bryan in 1956 in Marshall. The couple initially made their home in Marshall before purchasing a farm in Chilhowee in August 1965.
Shirley had two major passions: Horses and art. After high school, she attended the Kansas City Art Institute, then went to work as an illustrator for Hallmark for three years. Later, between farm chores, raising two boys, and horse rides, she found time to paint – mostly horses, but other scenes from rural Missouri as well. She went on to win several awards for her paintings and has sold them in Missouri, Washington, Texas, and Arizona. She was an active member of the Mid-Missouri Artists in Warrensburg where she made many friends.
She loved to go on trail rides and made so many wonderful memories from her adventures, she decided to write a book full of short stories.
Above all, Shirley loved her family, her many friends, animals of all kinds, and her little dog, Jack, very much.
Shirley is survived by a half-sister, Carla Potter; her sons, Mark Bryan and Brady Bryan (Janet); her grandchildren, Bailey Bryan and Morgan Bryan; and her great grandson, Max Acosta. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
A Celebration of (a Great) Life gathering will take place at the Chilhowee United Methodist Church from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Sunday, December 14.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net