Sheila Bryson

Sheila Marie Bryson was born December 29, 1955, to Marie Bryson (Mother Bryson) and Wardlaw Downs. Sheila attended Allen Elementary School, Beck Middle School, and Greenville Senior High School in Greenville, South Carolina and went on to graduate from Morris Brown College with a degree in psychology.

Sheila was a delightful, feisty, and spiritual woman who had a close relationship with God. She loved to discuss and debate local and national politics, while philosophizing about life and social justice issues. She loved theater, music concerts, and was a patron of dance. Although she had numerous administrative positions after graduating from Morris Brown, Sheila found her career passion a mental health counselor. She was a beloved member of the Youth Villages staff where she tirelessly and lovingly counseled and mentored the young men for over 15 years and was an inspiration and friend to everyone, including her co-workers. Sheila believed in holistic living and was an avid runner, cyclist, and fitness enthusiast.

If you knew Sheila, you knew that what was most important and dearest to her heart was her family and friends. Sheila had a close relationship with her sister Agnes. In conversation, she would often reflect on what Agnes would do in certain situations. After Agnes’s passing, Sheila became the matriarch of the family, hosting holiday gatherings and special occasion get-togethers where there was ALWAYS music (preferable house) and dancing. Without hesitation, she stepped in to help nurture and raise Agnes’ sons, Robert, and Bryan. Sheila adored her brothers Robert and Charles, who often praised her for raising Agnes’s sons and becoming the “surrogate mother” for the family. Many times, at the cost of her own personal happiness. Her love, dedication, and sacrifices can never be repaid-only remembered.

Sheila is preceded in death by Mother Bryson and sister Agnes. Sheila is survived by her brothers, Robert (Tanya) and Charles (Bonnie); nieces, Linda (John), Cynthia, Vicki (Shantell), Deja, and Aralyn; nephews, Robert(Rashida), Bryan, Sterling, and Kitrick; Great nieces and nephews: Marisa, John Jr, Melodie, Candace, Patrick(Dora), Adina, Elijah, Christopher, Christian, Christauf, Penelope Agnes, and Paisley Charlene; Great-Great niece and nephews: Jayliah, Uriah, and Jeremiah; godson Rodarius, and her dearest friend Kim.

Additionally, Sheila had many special friends who touched her life: Johnny, Karen, Thomas, Jacqui, Grace, Patricia, Maya(deceased), Marty, Pat, Dee, Sherita, Crystal, Rachelle, Nicole, Linda, Jackie and a host of cousins, friends, and colleagues who are left to cherish her memory.

If you were blessed enough to call Sheila a daughter, a sister, an aunt, or a friend, she was loyal, steadfast and always just a phone call away.