Nan Alorah Bryan

Nan Alorah Bryan (Newsome), 89, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024, at Mayberry Gardens in Grand Prairie. She was born on October 10, 1935, in Columbus, Georgia, and grew up in Cataula, Georgia, with her parents, George and Marie Newsome and brother Ray. Nan was an active young woman who did well in school and loved sports. She played on her high school basketball team and was involved in the drama club. Her future husband—JC Bryan--was stationed at Fort Benning where they met at a USO dance. On May 18, 1954, they married and they moved her back his home state, Texas. Together, they created a loving home for their three sons—Alan, Ben, and Doug—raising them with patience and humor through all their adventures. In the late 60s, Nan started her working career as a “Pink Lady” volunteer at Methodist Hospital in Dallas. Using those contacts, she secured a job with the Methodist Hospital Credit Union. In the late 70s she went to work for the AAFES Federal Credit Union where she became vice president. She retired from AAFES FCU in 2000. Nan enjoyed singing in the choir at First Presbyterian Church where she was a member for 70 years. She also enjoyed connecting with friends through her bridge club, was an avid reader and loved solving crossword puzzles. Even when her body was weak, she was still mentally sharp when it came to solving crosswords. [IE: Recent crossword clue: Theater box seat. Four letters. Answer: See below] She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, JC; her son, Ben; her granddaughter, Jaci; and her daughter-in-law, Swannee. Nan is survived by sons Alan and Doug (and wife, Sue); daughter-in-law Marsha Edwards; grandchildren Cole Bryan (and wife, Aalee), McKenzie Love (and husband, Conor), Sydney Bryan, grandson-in-law Matt Abbott; five great-grandchildren who brought her much joy; brother, Ray Newsome (and wife, Jan); and several nieces and nephews. Nan's kindness and love touched many lives. She will be missed but remembered fondly by family and friends. The family thanks her caregivers Kiesha and Emily and the staff at Mayberry Gardens for their exceptional care during Nan's final years. A celebration of Nan’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Grand Prairie on Saturday, January 11 th at 1:30. Reception to follow in the fellowship hall. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to either of the local charities that Nan supported: Children First Counseling Center (Sammie Walker Endowment) https://www.childrenfirstinc.org/c/kbc/ or Grand Prairie United Charities https://gpuc.org/donate [Crossword answer: Loge. She got it without hesitation.]

Nan Alorah Bryan

October 10, 1935 - December 19, 2024