Funeral services for Haroldlyn Sue Pate Bryan, 80, of Corrigan will be held Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the Corrigan First Methodist Church with Brother Phillip Corbett and Brother Lewis Ivey officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Springs Cemetery.
Mrs. Haroldlyn Bryan passed away with her family by her side, Thursday, October 31, 2024, in the care of Hospice in The Pines. She was born to Susie Evelyn Kurtzemann and Harold “Sambo” Pate on March 12, 1944, in one of the last sawmill communities - Camden, Texas. On Friday, December 13, 1963, Haroldlyn had her first date with the love of her life, John Bryan of Nacogdoches. They were married on Friday, March 13, 1964; a union and bond that endured for 53 years; an example of true love, strength and devotion for their family and others to learn from.
Haroldlyn graduated from Corrigan High School in 1962 and attended Stephen F. Austin State University, graduating in 1966 with a degree in education. She began her teaching career as Mrs. Bryan at Hudson Independent School District. After a few years, she and John, as a young family, moved to Corrigan where she taught first through sixth grades for the next 25 years in the Corrigan-Camden Independent School District. Furthering her own education during this time, she received a Master of Education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1972. In addition to daily classroom teaching, her evenings were fulfillingly spent teaching English and GED classes for Vietnamese and Hispanic immigrants. In 1993, Mrs. Bryan left the public school system to join the Windham School District at the Gib Lewis Unit in Woodville; becoming the first principal of the Glen Ray Goodman Unit in Jasper, Texas, in 1995. She retired in 1996 with over 30 years as a dedicated educator. In the height of her teaching career and caring for her family, she also owned and operated The Flower Shop for a number of years.
Mrs. Bryan was involved in numerous civic organizations dedicated to the welfare and betterment of the community. She volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol - calling in plane types and locations to Barksdale Air Force Base. An appointment to the Corrigan Industrial Foundation allowed her involvement and input to open the door for new business and industry in Corrigan. The local Beta Sigma Phi chapter - of which she was a charter member - was instrumental in establishing Corrigan’s first public library, located first on the top floor of the old downtown sub-courthouse in Corrigan. Now located in a modern, standalone location, this library became the Mickey G. Reily Public Library. Mrs. Bryan served as past Worthy Matron of the Corrigan Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 631, as well as a director on the board of the Union Springs Cemetery Association for 39 years.
In 1996, a severe stroke left Haroldlyn with paralysis. John became her loving caregiver for 21 years until his passing in 2017. For the next seven years Dorrie Davis, Inga Pearson, Nina Bowman, Carolyn Mitchamore, Lisa Sanford, and Pat Gresham, provided not only devoted in-home care, but also friendly companionship. Earlier this year she moved to Larkspur Nursing Home in Lufkin. While at Larkspur, she became involved in planning social activities for the residents and enjoyed bingo days.
Haroldlyn Bryan’s longest and most dynamic positions in life were that of wife, mother, Nana, daughter, sister and aunt. She was the leader and role model, a strong and consistent guide and support, not only for her immediate family, but to anyone in her midst. Whether managing the demands of raising a family, jobs and community involvement, or coping with physical limitations, her love and support, drive, and expectations never wavered. Despite any obstacles, she provided a foundation for many generations to build upon.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Deidre and Dwayne Cornelius of Corrigan, Kelly and Gary Strong of Huntsville, and Leslie and Chris Ricks of Lufkin; grandchildren, Taylor and Brendan Reavis of Lufkin, Ryen and Matt Horsely of Hubert, North Carolina, and Bryan Ricks of Lufkin; great grandchildren, Raegan Brasher, Grayson Brasher, and Walker Reavis of Lufkin; mother, Susie Evelyn Pate of Corrigan; sister, Bonnie Lou Grillot of Corrigan; nephew, Cody Grillot of Lufkin; great niece, Sadie Grillot of Lufkin; sister-in-law, June Rivas of Arlington, Texas; special daughters, Tammi Lawson Sanders, Kelly Shadix, Angie Moore, Tammy Maxey, Merry Crane, and Edie Reeves; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Bryan and her father, Harold “Sambo” Pate.
Pallbearers will be Gary Strong, Chris Ricks, Dwayne Cornelius, Wes Sheffield, Brendan Reavis, and Bryan Ricks.
Honorary pallbearers will be Cody Grillot, Matt Horsley, Grayson Brasher, Walker Reavis, Ronnie Thompson, Skipper Pate, James Sheffield, and Wendell Chance.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude for the loving care their mom received at Larkspur and from Hospice in The Pines-Inpatient Unit. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice in The Pines-Inpatient Unit, 1504 West Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75934.
The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.
Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. Carroway Funeral Home, Corrigan, directors.
