Obituary: Lucile Bryan, 10 February 2002, Coke County, TX ***************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ Submitted by Mary Love Berryman - marylove@tyler.net 4 March 2002 ***************************************************************** The Observer/Enterprise, 15 February 2002, Robert Lee, TX First Page SERVICES HELD FOR MRS. ROBERT LEE (LUCILE BRYAN) ON FEB. 12 (Picture) If Mrs. Jessie Yarbrough can be credited with being the historian of Coke County, then just as surely the title of Mrs. Robert Lee has to go to Mrs. Lucile Bryan. Mrs. Robert Lee, who was 91 years of age, passed away early Sunday morning due to congestive heart failure. But her legacy in Robert Lee and Coke County began a long time ago, and will live for all of us, even after her death. In 1936, Lucile married Jeff Dean, former Superintendent of Schools in Bronte, and County Judge of Coke County. She earned her B.S. and M.A. degrees from Sul Ross State University, and taught in the public schools for 29 years, retiring in 1972. Following the death of Mrs. Dean, she married Wilson Bryan of Robert Lee in 1965. Each of the two individuals in this marriage were already active in community affairs individually. Lucile and Wilson as a team were a creative and dynamic force in Robert Lee. She composed and produced the historical pageant "Ole Coke County - Home of the Rabbit Twisters" for over twenty years, and Wilson designed and supervised construction of the ampitheater for the production. They also created Bryan's Barn, a 6 acre Christmas Light Fantasy that is known and loved throughout the state. This Robert Lee Treasure has received statewide publicity with a photo layout in Texas Monthly, in addition to attracting from 5,000 to 10,000 visitors each year. Lucile was name Citizen of the Year in Robert Lee in 1976, with Wilson receiving the same award in 1979 Lucile's talents and abilities did not overshadow her personality in her dealing with others. According to Rev. Jim Reeves, who conducted her service on Tuesday, "her happiness was her trademark. I never saw Lucile without a smile on her face. She was in love with everyone she met. Lucile probably wouldn't like being bestowed the title of Mrs. Robert Lee. She would probably think that someone else in the past or in the future might be more deserving. Or that community service shouldn't be a contest, anyway. However, we can't think of anyone in the past that has done more for this community than Mrs. Bryan. And, should someone step up in the future, they will have a wonderful example to follow, not to mention some awfully big shoes to fill. Second Page BRYAN Lucile McWorter Dean Bryan of Robert Lee, Texas passed from this life on February 10, 2002. Service was held at First United Methodist Church in Robert Lee on Tuesday, February 12, 2002, at 2:00 pm, with Pastor Jim Reeves officiating. Interment followed at Robert Lee Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home in Robert Lee. Lucile was born in 1910 in Sallis, Mississippi to Sally and James D. McWhorter. Rev. McWhorter was a Methodist minister who preached for many years in and around Sterling City, Texas. In 1936, she married Jeff Dean, former Superintendent of Schools in Bronte, Texas and County Judge of Coke County. Lucile was preceded in death by Jeff Dean; her brother, James D. McWhorter, Jr., and her sister, Katherine E. Parris. Lucile earned her B.S. and M.A. Degrees from Sul Ross State college and taught in the middle schools for 29 years, retiring in 1972. She married Wilson Bryan of Robert Lee in 1965. Each of the two individuals in this marriage were already active in community affairs individually. Lucile and Wilson as a team were a creative and dynamic force in Robert Lee. She composed and produced the historical pageant "Ole Coke County - Home of the Rabbit Twisters" for over twenty years, and Wilson designed and supervised construction of the ampitheater for the production. They also created Bryan's Barn, a 6 acre Christmas Light Fantasy that is known and loved throughout the state. This Robert Lee Treasure has received statewide publicity with a photo layout in Texas Monthly, in addition to attracting from 5,000 to 10,000 visitors each year. Lucile was name Citizen of the Year in Robert Lee in 1976, with Wilson receiving the same award in 1979. Lucile is survived by her husband, Wilson Bryan; her children, Jerry Dean of Austin, Tony Dean and wife, Cindy of Jacksboro, and Delia Plagens and husband, Freddy of Hondo; her step-children, Thelma Jo Hinnard of Robert Lee, Terry Frank Bryan and wife, Jeanne of San Angelo, and Richard Bryan and wife, Tillie of Ballinger; her nephew James D. McWhorter, III and wife, Peggy of San Angelo, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren Memorial can be sent to Robert Lee First United Methodist Church or Coke County Library in Robert Lee. Permission granted by Observer/Enterprise for publication in the Coke County TXGenWeb Archives