Mary Ann Bryson Angel

Mary Ann Bryson Angel was born in Cullowhee, NC, on July 3, 1913. Her parents were Coleman Vance Bryson and Palestine Bowen Bryson. Mary Ann was the youngest of four children, and at 102, was the one who lived the longest. Her parents were farmers, and they also provided housing for some of the professors who taught at Western Carolina College. While growing up, Mary Ann had numerous friends, among them was her best friend Martha Lou Hunter, whose father was college president. Mary Ann wanted to go to college but didn’t have the money, so her mother, Palestine (otherwise known as Tiny), sold milk, butter and eggs to the Hunters, to help with Mary Ann’s college tuition. After graduating from college in 1933 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, she married Herbert Angel, whom she had met in her classes. Herbert was from Macon County, where they lived and worked as teachers for several years. Their next move was to Haywood County(Waynesville), where Mary Ann continued teaching in elementary schools(Cataloochee, Saunook, Maggie, Bethel), and Herbert began his work in the monument business. In the early 1960’s, she was offered a position to become the first speech therapist for Haywood County school system. She returned to Western Carolina University and obtained a Master’s Degree in Speech and Hearing. Mary Ann worked as speech therapist in Haywood County until retirement in 1976. She thoroughly enjoyed her work and loved all of her students. Also during this time, Mary Ann, Herbert and their daughter, Judith, moved to Enka/Candler, as Herbert’s memorial business had grown. He developed and incorporated Forest Lawn Cemetery. The Angels were members of Montmorenci Methodist Church in Candler and during this time, became active volunteers for Asheville Buncombe County Christian Ministry (ABCCM). Mary Ann moved to Pigeon Valley Rest Home(Canton) in 2001, following the death of her husband Herbert. She subsequently moved to Silver Bluff Village in 2015. She was very appreciative of the care and fond of the new friends she made in both places. On the evening of February 4, 2016, Mary Ann died peacefully in her room, her sister- in- law at her side. Mary Ann is survived by her daughter, Judith Angel, of New York City. Visitation and funeral services will be held on Tuesday, 9 February 2016 at 11:00AM, at Garrett Funeral Home, 460 North Main St., in Waynesville. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in Enka, N.C. Memorials may be made to Asheville Buncombe County Christian Ministry: ABCCM 30 Cumberland Ave. Asheville, N.C. 28801