Bernice Lanier Bryan
October 13, 1923
September 12, 2017
Visitation
Friday, September 15, 2017
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Grace Covenant Church, Beulaville
Funeral Service
Friday, September 15, 2017
2:00 PM
Grace Covenant Church, Beulaville
Interment
East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville
Beulaville, NC
Bernice Lanier Bryan passed away September 12, 2017 at Vidant Duplin following a brief pulmonary illness.
Bernice was born October 13, 1923 to Herbert and Piccola Lanier of the Lyman community. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Harrel W Bryan and brothers Marion, Harold, Kenneth, and Elbert Lanier.
Bernice is survived by sisters Beatrice Lanier of Beulaville and Sharon Lanier of Raleigh; her son, Dean Bryanand wife Pansy of Tarboro; son, Gregory Bryan of New York City and St Thomas; and daughter, Andra Whaley and husband Dannyof Beulaville; her grandsons, Darrin Bryan and wife Jenny of Malvern, Pennsylvania, David Bryan of Holly Springs, NC, Bryan Davis of Oakland CA., and Justin(Dub) Davisand wife Casey of Beulaville, NC.; her great-grandchildren, Will and Jack Bryan, Ellie, Carter, and Mollie Bryan, and McKinley, Wyatt, and Amelia Davis.
Bernice was a devout Christian who loved serving God through her church. She was committed to helping people in need, beginning with her family and extending to her broader community. She was well known for her cakes and was a reliable source of food in times of need. She volunteered at Guardian Care and Autumn Village until she was no longer able to drive. Her desire to serve gave her a sense of purpose, and her sharp wit, fiery spirit, and unwavering faith remained vital within her as she drew her last breath.
Bernice was an avid reader, and she read the Bible many times through. She made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with her sister, Beatrice, fulfilling one of her life’s dreams. She travelled to St Thomas, U.S.V.I., California, the Grand Canyon, and Maggie ValleyNC, and New York among other places. Her favorite thing to do was gather her family round for a big meal and celebration of life. She worked hard to make these occasions frequent and delicious, serving food grown in her garden and tended on her and Harrel’s small farm in Lyman.
A celebration of Bernice’s life will be held at Grace Covenant Church in Beulaville on Friday, September 15th. Visitation begins at 1:00pm, with Services (provided by Serenity Funeral Home of Beulaville) following at 2:00pm and burial following immediately at East Duplin Gardens. The family will receive friends at other times at Danny and Andra Whaley’s home at 213 Lyman Road in Beulaville.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Covenant Church, 176 North NC 111 HWY. Beulaville, NC 28518.
