Mary Peters Bryan

Mary Peters Bryan, 92, of Abilene, went home to be with the Lord on Friday morning, January 2, 2009.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2009 at Piersall-Benton Funeral Home, 733 Butternut St. Dr. Tim Temple of the Abilene Bible Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mary was born September 16, 1916, the ninth child of Henry and Lucy Peters. She had six brothers: Rob, Jim, Henry, Gus, George and Ted Peters; and two sisters: Jessie Baldridge and Lucy Belle Eaves. She graduated from Whitney High School and was married to James Edwin Bryan, her high school sweetheart, for almost 50 years, until the time of his death in 1985. They resided in Abilene most of their lives along with their six children.

Together with her husband, Mary was one of the founding members of the Victory Bible Center, later named the Abilene Bible Church. Throughout her lifetime, she was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and she knew Him to be her Lord and Savior.

Mary was an interior decorator for over forty-five years, having owned Mary Bryan Draperies, Mary Bryan Decorative Center, and Interiors Design.

She was a member of the Gideon’s and very active in her church for many years. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, having many gifts but known most for her hospitality to friends and family. She took great pride in her love of cooking.

She is survived by her six children: Jerry Bryan and his wife Valerie of Houston, Texas; Fred Bryan, David Bryan,
Mary Strader Sullivan and her husband Scotty, Martha Rau, and John Bryan, all of Abilene.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ninna Bryan of California; Janelle Bryan Touchberry and her husband John of McKinney, TX; Jill Bryan Wilbur of Florida; James Bryan and his wife Natalia of Colorado; Ross Strader and his wife Leslie of Tyler, TX; Kimberly Strader Law and her husband Thomas of Fort Worth, TX; Sara Strader Isbell and her husband James of Arlington, TX; Molly Strader Hunt and her husband John of Abilene; Elliot Strader and his wife Keila of Forney, TX; Rachel Rau King and her husband Jason of Fort Worth, TX; Fred Rau and his wife Chelsea of San Angelo, TX; Mark Rau and his wife Katherine of California.

Mary had 28 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; her parents, siblings, and their spouses; two daughters-in-law, Janene Bryan and Margit Bryan; and one granddaughter, Jennifer Bryan Mezo Hunt.

Mary lived life to the fullest and brought great happiness to her family and friends.

Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas 79601; or to the Abilene Bible Church, 3125 Oldham Lane, Abilene, Texas 79602. Condolences can be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.