Ellen Mae Miller Bryant

Ellen was born in Prince George’s County, Maryland, to the late Boyd Hiram Miller and the late Virginia Etta Richardson Miller. Due to Virginia's untimely death, Ellen’s grandparents, the late Charles Thomas Richardson, and the late Florence Etta Richardson, adopted and raised her from a young age. Early in life, Ellen discovered the joy of drawing and singing, playing songs on the piano by ear, and a penchant for three-handed pinochle that never faded.

In addition to her parents and grandparents, Ellen was preceded in death by the love of her life and devoted partner of 64 years, William Henry “Bill” Bryant; her brother and sister, Lester Thomas Richardson and Christie Victoria Kent; half-sister Mary Katherine Morris; and grandson, Lucas James Faircloth.

Ellen proudly served the Library of Congress for over thirty-five years. Her ultimate role was Special Assistant to the Chief of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division, where she supported numerous projects and was known for her can-do attitude and attention to detail. Later, Ellen and Bill founded a family construction business, where she ultimately served as president until its closure in 2001. Ellen’s warm smile and love of laughter accompanied her dedication to others' needs and spirit of persistent kindness. She was deeply devoted to her children and grandchildren, listening openly and earnestly and encouraging their ambitions. Later in life, Ellen found the greatest joy in gathering family and friends to share meals, games, and music at the Farnham home she and Bill affectionately named Kendilfair.

Surviving Ellen are her three daughters, Lynne Kennedy (Mark), Holly Bryant, and Billie Faircloth (James); grandchildren Jennie Caddell, Stephanie Ransom, Madeline Major, Courtney Dhillon, Savannah Dhillon, and Calliope Faircloth; great-grandchildren Christopher Norris, Hailey Reed, Norman Norris, Justin Norris, and Zander Thomas; great-great-grandchildren Telina Norris, Carter Reed, Colton Norris, Liam Estes, Grayson Shaffer, and half-brother Boyd W. Miller Sr.

Family and friends will celebrate Ellen’s life at Christ Church Wayside, Newburg, Maryland, on Saturday, April 13th, at 11 AM. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

In place of flowers, memorials can be made in Ellen Bryant's memory by donating to SECU Hospice House.

Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com. McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, North Carolina, is honored to be assisting the family.