January 22, 2023, 95, Goldsboro –
Bertha Ellen Casey Bryan, 95, passed away peacefully in her eternal home, at her home, Sunday afternoon surrounded by her children. She was born in Wayne County to the late Emma Casey and Stonewall Jackson Casey on January 2, 1928. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Cecil Eldon Bryan; an infant son; sisters and brothers-in-law, Esther Kay Casey Guin and husband, Dr. James C. Guin II and Emma Kathryn Casey DeLorenzo and husband, Frank DeLorenzo; and brothers and sister-in-law, S. Jack Casey, Jr. and Kendrick Allen Casey and wife, Peggy Casey.
Born in the city of Goldsboro, Ellen’s family moved when she was a small child to the Elroy community. There, she attended and graduated from New Hope School. Afterward, she moved and studied radiology at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. After graduating, she remained for several years working at University Hospital and making memories with her sister, Esther Kay, and her brother-in-law, Dr. James C. Guin, II.
Ellen was always up for the next adventure. This spirit led her to Washington, D.C. where she trained and worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Longing to return to her beloved state of North Carolina, she continued her career working in radiology at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Though working at the hospital was a rewarding career, Ellen desired a more consistent schedule. After several years of working in private medical practice and insurance, perhaps no job was more rewarding than when she transitioned to banking, for there she met her husband, Cecil. After the two were wed, Ellen focused her attention on her family, helping with family farm operations as well as with their real estate investments.
As a lifetime member of Casey’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Ellen was the oldest living member at the time of her passing.
Eager to learn of her family genealogy and striving to gain a vast knowledge of history, Ellen and her sister, Kathryn, became deeply involved in many historical associations. Ellen maintained membership in The National Society of Magna Charta, The National Society of Colonial Dames, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Ellen was recognized as a “Real Great-Granddaughter of the Confederacy”. Until the health of her husband declined, Ellen fellowshipped with other kindred spirits traveling on tours exploring historical locations throughout the North and South.
As a supportive mother, Ellen found commonality with each of her children. With Steve, the two shared a love of traveling to historical reenactments and studying family genealogy. With Glenn, they shared a love for horses that allowed them to travel all over the state of North Carolina as he prepared and competed in horse shows. The enjoyment of having a daughter allowed Ellen the opportunity to share the love of collecting Madame Alexander Dolls as well as to travel and experience pageantry and modeling with Suzanne. For more than 20 years, Ellen was involved and always assisted in many aspects of her daughter’s business, Suzanne’s Studio of Finishing and Modeling.
The family was a passion and priority. As a grandmother, it was an ultimate joy to attend dance recitals, piano recitals, and ball games. Her desire to connect with loved ones was evident in her love of hosting and attending family reunions. Her annual Christmas Open House for family and friends was a delight for many years. She often shared her delicious banana puddings and oyster stews with many. As her health declined, getting out of the house for her afternoon joy ride was a simple and ultimate pleasure.
A service to celebrate Ellen’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Willow Dale Cemetery with Ray Casey presiding. The family will greet friends Saturday following the service at the cemetery. Mrs. Bryan will lie in state at Seymour Funeral Home on Thursday, January 26, 2023, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. and on Friday, January 27, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Ellen is survived by her sons, Steven Paul Bryan and wife, Kitty Beaman Bryan and Glenn Casey Bryan; daughter, Suzanne Casey Bryan; grandchildren, Kathryn Suzanne Harrison, Bryan Steven Harrison, and Caroline Casey Bryan; niece, Harriette C. Albritton; and nephew, James C. Guin III.
The family would like to express their appreciation for the compassionate care provided by the 3HC Care Team. Love and heartfelt thanks is also expressed to her faithful friends that would visit her.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in Ellen’s memory to the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 249 Middlesex, NC 27557-0249, or to the charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
