OBITUARY:Mrs. Berilla Bryan
The subject of this sketch was born in Hall County, Georgia, August 3, 1828; married B. C. Bryan January 4, 1844; died August 1, 1898, aged 70 years. She professed a hope in Christ and joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church 1859. At her death she was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church. She was the mother of fifteen children, the grandmother of seventy-three children and twenty-three great-grandchildren. Thirteen of her children are still living and all are members of the Baptist church, one being a minister and another a deacon; her husband having been a deacon for 38 years. She died of paralysis, after an illness of 25 months. This protracted illness was borne with Christian fortitude and patience, while being confinded to her bed. Her longing prayer was for rest. She said to her nurses; "I am so tired; I have done all that I can do to get rest, and you have done all you could for me; lay me when I am dead on the hill (meaning the graveyard hill almost in sight), where I can get rest. I cannot stay here much longer, but when I am gone I will be at rest. I just want three hours, after which I will want you all to meet me in peace. I want you all to live right. Hold out faithful so we may meet together and be at rest."
After a few moments, she said: "I am so tired," One of her sons said to her: "Mother, you have been sick a long time and need rest." To which she replied: "I am just waiting; I am ready any hour or any minute; I will be glad when the last breath comes."
To her husband she said: "I have only one more night to be here and suffer, and then I can rest." The weeping husband said: "Do you think that you can suffer one more night?" To which she replied: "By divine grace I can."
The say before she died she called for her mother - age 88. The aged mother replied, "Berilla, I am here, what do you want?" The daugher made inquiry about her health, and said: "Mother, I wanted to see you again; I have suffered a long time and so have you, too." These were the last words that wee understood. The last moments of her life seemed to be a sweet sleep.
Seldom has the death of one in the humbler walks of life produced such wide-spread grief. The entire community, within the range of her influence, feels a great loss in her demise. Her hospitality was bounded by only what she possessed. Her counsel to all who sought her advice was always wise and proper. Her great care was for thise indistress in mind and body, these she always resorted for the purpose of affording relief. It is hoped that the sweet influences of her life and character may always rest upon all who knew her.
written by:
C. W. Stargel
Submitted by Jeanne B. Insalaco