Vera Fern Bryan's Obituary
Decatur-Vera Fern Bryan, 92, of Canon City, Colorado formerly of Decatur passed away July 20, 2014.
She was born April 2, 1922 to Calvin and Estella (Sutton) Sherfick in Ogallah, Kansas. After graduation, Vera became an RN and served her country as an Army Nurse during World War II. She met and married Jessie (Slim) Bryan while they were both serving in the Army, and to their union was born four children. She spent most of her life in Decatur, IL, and moved to Canon City after her husband’s death and lived there 17 years. Vera is known as one of the nurses working at Staley Manufacturing Company for over 30 years. She retired in 1985 and was remembered by many for her kindness and hard work. She was a member of Central Christian Church while in Decatur and after her retirement she participated in the Stephen Ministry at the church. To say Vera was active would be an understatement as she definitely kept busy. She served on the boards of both the Golden Age Center and the Regional Aging Council. Vera was a member of the Christian Women’s Club and was in charge of “Kansas Days” for several years; a group of fellow Kansan’s who got together for lunch and fellowship. Vera loved to sing and you would find her on Friday evenings participating in the Florence Senior Center’s Friday Night Jam Sessions. Vera had an abiding faith and regularly attended the Evangelical Free Church in Canon City.
She is survived by her children, Robert Bryan, James (Marcia) Bryan and Jehnell (Joe) Giganti; grandchildren, Robert Bryan, Jr., Jimandi Thomas, David Bryan, Julie Nist, Diana Wheat and Amanda Giganti; great-grandchildren, Conner, Mykayla, Ben and Owen. She was preceded by her husband, parents, daughter, Susan Nist, two sisters and two brothers as well as one son-in-law and two daughters-in-law.
Services to celebrate Vera’s life will 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2014 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Karunas officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2014 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Central Christian Church.
The family of Vera Fern Bryan is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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