Mary Bryant

Mary Elizabeth McLain Bryant, 93, of Statesville, passed away Friday, October 17, 2014 at her home. Mary was born in Statesville on December 20, 1920 and was the daughter of the late Clarence Walker McLain and Mabel Miller Guy McLain. She was a graduate of D. Matt Thompson High School and attended college at The Women's College (now UNC-G). She was a member of the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and served as Chairman of the Board of Christian Education. She previously had been the Sunday school superintendent and was appointed by the session to plan the now named Bob Sherer Chapel. She was a recipient of a lifetime membership from the Women of the Church. She was a charter member of the Fort Dobbs Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a charter member and past president of Women's Golf Association of SCC. She was the past president of the Foothills Golf League, and an honorary member of Statesville Women's Golf Group. She was married to the late Richard "Jack" Rives Bryant of Statesville in Pasadena, California, in 1942. He preceded her in death in 1997. Along with her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by her great granddaughter, Olivia Grace Shoaf. Mrs. Bryant is survived by one daughter, Janet Bryant Shuford (Tommy) of Statesville, three grandchildren: John Isenhour Shoaf (Julie) of Okinawa, Japan, Mary McLain Godin (Todd) of Wilmington, NC, and Thomas Bryant Shuford of Westchester, Pennsylvania. Great-grandchildren are Miriam Rebecca and Micah Rives Shoaf, and Daniel Todd and David Joseph Godin. She is also survived by her sister, Lura McLain Langston of Statesville, niece Melinda Langston Fuster and nephew David Walker Langston. The family will receive friends at the home of Mrs. Bryant from 4-6 on Saturday, October 18. A private graveside service with Rev. Phil McCoy officiating will be held for the family on Sunday, October 19. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the First ARP Church, 123 E. Broad St. Statesville, NC 28677. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.