Ada Chastain Bryson

Ada Chastain Bryson, 93, of Cullowhee, NC passed away peacefully to her Heavenly home on the morning of January 1, 2026. She was born on August 4, 1932 to the late Tom and Martha Chastain of Hiawassee, Georgia. She was the youngest and only living of the seven siblings, Henry, Terrell, James, Joe, Flo, and Mae. She was also preceded in death by her late husband of 42 years, Bill Bryson, her youngest daughter, Sherry Gunnels, a daughter-in-law, Kay Bryson, and son-in-law, David Nicholson along with many other loving family members.

She was well-loved by her family. They were her pride and joy. There wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t speak of them. She was the glue that held them together as she led them with grit, determination, and love. She is survived by her children, Larry Bryson and Sheila Nicholson, and son-in-law Robin Gunnels. Lovingly known as Granny to her grandchildren, Crystal (Katdim) Smith, Jamie Bryson, Stephanie (Matt) Ammons, Samantha (Jordan) Hutcher, and Sabrina Connor. She loved her family fiercely, especially her babies which include her Great-Grandchildren, Madalyn and Landon (Emily) Smith, Jordan Bryson, Sawyer, Brady, and Macie Ammons, Jude Crawford, and Coulson Hutcher. Also surviving are many other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and other kids and grandkids she claimed as her own.

She was known for her love, strength, humor, hard work ethic, resiliency, generosity, hospitality, honesty, and faithfulness. Everyone that met her, loved her for these strong attributes that she always displayed. She enjoyed tending to her garden, growing flowers, canning, and cooking for her family. For many years, she cooked weekly Thursday night dinners for her family to enjoy and be together. She enjoyed having company, always offering them a bite to eat or a piece of honest advice, wanted or not. Her work ethic was second to none working circles around everyone around her which resulted in physical strength along with a wealth of knowledge. She was a caregiver to her family as well as many others in the community throughout her life. She also enjoyed the companionship of her cats throughout the years.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in the chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services. Rev. Larry Bryson and Rev. Larry Nations will be officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00pm prior to the service at the funeral home.