Shirley Jean Bryson
Shirley Jean Bryson, 85, of Bellevue, MI, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on September 23, 2024. She was born on October 10, 1938, in Eaton Rapids, MI, the cherished daughter of Ralph Edward and Lucille Marie (Goodnoe) Smith. Raised in Eaton Rapids, Shirley attended a one-room schoolhouse on Barnes and Onondaga Road before graduating from Eaton Rapids High School, class of 1956.
Shirley began her working life as a cashier at Desmore Grocery in Mason, where she met the love of her life, Stanley Bryson. After they married, Shirley dedicated herself to raising their children and creating a loving home. She was an active member of the Brookfield Lodge 352 Order of the Eastern Star, contributing her time and energy to this cherished service organization.
Shirley had a deep love for travel, reading, gardening, and watching the birds that visited her yard. She and Stanley also shared a passion for antiques, traveling across local and surrounding states to buy, restore, and sell treasures. Shirley had many antique booths in different shops over the years in the Lake Odessa Mall, Mason Mall, and on Main Street in Eaton Rapids, where her passion and love shone bright.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Stanley; her parents, Ralph and Lucille; her brothers, Richard and Edward Smith; and her sister, Carol Dunn. She leaves behind a loving family: her children, Susan (Jeff) Houghton, Diana (Steve) Hyatt, and Larry Bryson; grandchildren, Ben (Melissa) Hyatt, Jeff (Katie) Whitaker, Shiria (Rachael) Kane, Stacey (Gary) Meyers, Rebecca (Frank) Psurny, Erica (Dell) Porter, Amber Bryson, and Taylor Bryson; 10 great-grandchildren; her sister, Phyllis Whidden; lifelong friend and recent caregiver, Priscilla Law; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at noon at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brookfield Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.