Funeral Services for Vivian Bryan, 85, of Norwalk formerly of Jefferson will be 10:00 am Friday, April 16, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. Interment will be in the Greenbrier Cemetery, Greene County, IA. Visitation with the family will be Thursday, April 15, 2010 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson. Memorials are suggested to the Greenbrier United Methodist Church or Hospice of Central Iowa and may be left at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home.
Vivian is survived by her two children: Denny (Susie) Bryan of Coralville, IA and Jill (David) DeCarlo of West Des Moines, IA; and sister Janice (Dean) Adkins of Bagley, IA.
Vivian Doreen Bryan, Norwalk, formerly of Jefferson, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully with her family by her side on April 12, 2010. She had celebrated her 85th birthday on March 13th. Vivian had suffered from Alzheimer's disease.
Vivian was born March 13, 1925 on a farm northeast of Jefferson in Hardin Township during one of the worst blizzards of the year. Her parents were Otis Hugh Lee and Susanna Berniece Smith. She was blessed with one sister, Janice. Vivian met Carroll Bryan while roller skating at Spring Lake State Park and the two were later united in marriage on November 24, 1943. Carroll and Vivian were married for 56 years, and to this union were born two children, Denny and Jill.
Vivian spent her entire childhood on farms near Jefferson. She spent many happy hours playing with her dolls, her dogs and cats, and enjoying the horses and other farm animals. At age 7 she started playing the piano and became a very good pianist. She also had a beautiful voice and really enjoyed singing, being asked to sing at social functions while young. She was a member of the rural choir. Vivian was baptized into the Baptist Church in Jefferson at age 9, where she loved church and Sunday school. She especially enjoyed the Baptist Young People's Union, of which she became treasurer. During her childhood and later years she enjoyed several trips with her parents and grandparents to Illinois and Indiana to visit her many relatives.
Vivian went to kindergarten in Jefferson, then received 8 years of grade school at District No. 9 School in Hardin Township. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1942. She was very active in school, singing in glee club and playing intramural basketball. She really enjoyed her summers having her friends visit her on the farm, going on picnics, swimming, and skating.
Vivian and Carroll lived in a farm in Greenbrier Township and became members of the Greenbrier Church where Vivian became a Sunday School and Bible School teacher and enjoyed the United Methodist Women fellowship, Ice Cream Socials, and Christmas programs. Later, they moved in and near Jefferson. Vivian worked for over 30 years in the Greene County Assessor's and Recorder's offices, and was a successful sales representative for Avon for more than 20 years, receiving many special recognitions including the President's Award, of which she was very proud.
Vivian really enjoyed family and friends, including Army reunions, card parties, New Year's Eve parties, and other get-togethers. Many Sunday dinners were spent at her folks or her in-laws with large family gatherings.
Vivian is survived by two children: Denny Bryan (Susie) of Coralville, and Jill DeCarlo (David) of West Des Moines, and sister Janice Adkins (Dean) of Bagley. Vivian is also survived by six grandchildren: David (Tammy) Bryan of Iowa City, Amanda (Tim) Brend of Indianola, Brad DeCarlo of St. Louis and friend Julie Cadam, Katie (Nick) Mantia of St. Louis, Melynda DeCarlo of Des Moines and friend Brian Walsh, Dave Jr. (Jennifer) DeCarlo of West Des Moines. Nine great-grandchildren: Hailey and Amber Bryan, Jake and Ethan Brend, Colby, Ronni, and Brock DeCarlo, Meredith Jinks(Stew Bevis), and McKenna DeCarlo, nieces and nephews and many, many friends. Preceding her in death were her husband Carroll and her parents. Memorials suggested are Greenbrier Methodist Church or Hospice of Central Iowa.
