Emma Lou Bryson

Emma Lou Bryson, 91, of Sylva, passed away Saturday May 16, 2020. A native and a lifelong resident of Jackson County she was born on May 6, 1929 and she was the daughter of the late Odell and Grace Bryson. Emma was a lifelong member of Liberty Baptist Church, where she was an usher and known as the "Candy Lady", she was also a member of several choirs (she loved to sing !), Sunday school teacher and a member of SH Smith Missionary Circle. Emma was also active with the Tuesday afternoon Bible Study and a member of the Extension Group and was a Liberty Trailblazer. Emma was very active as well with the Town of Sylva and the Jackson County Commissioners office. She retired after 34 years at Western Carolina University. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by sisters; Odessa Mebane, Dorsey Thomas, Minnie Jo Jackson, Jane Williams, Jacqueline Wilson and Linda Mingus, brothers; SJ Bryson, John Robert Bryson and David Bryson Emma is survived by whom she called her children; Ellerna (Thomas) Forney of Sylva, Dana (Deborah) Bryson of Simpsonville, SC, Richard "Tommy" (Kristi) Bryson of Greensboro, NC, Jason (Kim) Mingus of Asheville and Darius (LaRhonda) Bryson of Concord, NC 1 Sister- Yonnie McDowell of Sylva 3 Brothers; Richard (Melissa) Bryson of South Carolina. Herbert (Delores) Bryson of Dayton, Ohio and Ferrell (Linda) Bryson of Greensboro, NC 1 Sister in law- Ida Bryson of Maggie Valley and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. A tentative date for a Memorial Service has been set for 2:00 pm Saturday July 25, 2020 at Liberty Baptist Church, when all her siblings can attend safely. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Liberty Baptist Church, PO Box 2134, Sylva, NC or www.LibertyBaptistofSylva.org