Viola E. Bryson 82, was an extraordinary, Leader, Educator, Entrepreneur, Motivator, and Mentor. She loved living, socializing, entertaining, but most importantly, Viola loved the Lord and her Family. Born in 1936 in Freeman, West Virginia; Viola knew at an early age that her time in the West Virginia Hills was just for a SEASON. She understood her gifts, her assignments, her calling. The big beautiful world was waiting for her, so after she graduated from Bluestone High School, she started working on “THE Plan”. Viola attended Bluefield State College and received her Bachelor’s in Education, where she met and married the love of her life, the Late Wilbur H. Bryson Sr.
A few years later, Mr. & Mrs. Bryson moved to Wilmington, De and so began her career with the Delaware City Schools. Not only was she an educator, a facilitator of knowledge, she also had a gift to handle a Needle and Thread. After sewing a few buttons, mending a few shirts, she equipped herself with a Sewing Machine and started designing her own Dresses. Her country Kitchen, became “The Wildflower Boutique”. There she produced beautiful garments, opened up her home and trained young ladies how to perfect their craft. Viola redesign her entire home, and turned it into a SHOWCASE. Yes, Viola was bad with a needle and thread… But again, she knew Wilmington, De was just for a SEASON.
After the passing of her beloved husband, Viola returned to College and received her Master’s in Education at the University of Pennsylvania. Now armed with what she needed to maneuver through and focus on educating the Youth, Viola the Adventurer, packed up a few things from her home, sold it- then moved to Columbus, Ohio with family for the next phase of her new SEASON. While in Columbus, Viola purchased a rundown, abandoned house on the corner of Morrison and Franklin Ave, later known as the Morrison Café or “The Village”; she refurbished, remodeled, redesigned and turned that house into yet again, a SHOWCASE, but this time… It was her Masterpiece…Columbus, Ohio was the place to be.
Viola parked, and turned Columbus upside down with her style, creativity, class and greatness. She traveled the world, danced, laughed and touched so many lives, too many to name and or count.
Viola, a retired Vice Principal with the Columbus City Schools, started and never ended her career with a passion to serve, lead, and orchestrate change in the lives of those she touched. Her beautiful smile, and unique way to capture anyone’s attention, made it easy to learn and grow. She had a way of lighting up a room with her phenomenal style and disposition. Although quiet and petite, her personality was bold, and boisterous, just like fire!
Viola was an Investor, Real Estate Extraordinaire: investing in people, providing Jobs, homes and words of encouragement.
A member of the Columbus Chapter of Carats, Inc. for over 25 years, Viola was heavily involved in her community, such as providing jobs, lending a hand and assisting individuals with identifying their dreams and goals. Viola took action with those in need, often donating and of course hosting Charitable Events. Please note: Viola was not stingy, on the contrary – she was a GIVER. The more she gave, the more she was blessed to give abundantly.
Viola Bryson, member of The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delaware Chapter. Member of Trinity Baptist Church, Retired member of The Links Incorporated, Columbus Chapter, Owner/Operator of The Wildflower Boutique, Leader, Educator, Entrepreneur, Motivator, and Mentor, She was extraordinary.
Viola loved her family so much, she decided to host an 82nd birthday party for herself, celebrating her entire life. She invited family and friends all across the USA, so everyone could come together, laugh, eat good food, take plenty of pictures and love one another. Viola, loved her family enough to bless us one last time before her final SEASON here on earth ended, whisking off to The MAIN EVENT.
Although many have preceded in death before her, such as her Parents, Husband, and Siblings; she leaves the following behind to carry her torch of excellence, sisters; Dorothy E. Smith, Shirley A. Coleman, sons; Robert K. Bryson (Allyson), Wilbur H. Bryson Jr., daughters; Kathy Lisenco (Peter), Karen M. Bryson. A host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, colleagues, extended family and many dear friends.
Viola E. Bryson, accomplished The Plan, and conquered her Journey. Her SEASONS are now complete.
Visitation 10:00am and Funeral 11:00am Friday, September 21, 2018 at Trinity Baptist Church 461 St. Clair Ave.
Interment at Mifflin Cemetery.
Ryan,
So sorry to hear about your loss. A very difficult time.
Prayers & Sympathy.
Dan Feeney
Mrs. Bryson was my principal and my friend in later years. Hearing of your loss saddens my heart and you are in my prayers for your comfort. She will be dearly missed.
Delores Greene
Family of Viola
Viola was a spirited, loyal and loving friend. She will be missed by all who new her. She was a mentor to many students and teachers in Columbus City Schools. She was glue that held our chapter of Carats, Inc together with her knowledge, love and thoughtfulness. My friend and confidant, I miss you Dearly… one day I will see you on the other side of life too. In friendship and love.
Remembering the Bryson family in heartfelt prayer.
Continue to rely on God and know that he hears your prayers, during this difficult time. Thoughts of peace.
My condolences and prayers for you and your family. You mom was beautiful inside and out, most importantly she was blessed to be a blessing to so many.
So sorry for your loss..
So many accomplishments, so very many successes, a wealth of hopes and dreams fulfilled, days and months and years of well-lived and now a legacy to celebrate. May all your sweet memories of your mother, encourage you at this time.
My prayers to you all during this difficult time, especially Aunt Mootsie and Aunt Shirley. Love you all.
Lamar Moore (Donald Moore’s son)
Praying for the family.
To Karen Bryson and the Bryson Family:
I send my love and deepest sympathy regarding your mother’s departure. I read her obituary in its entirety and hers was a life well-lived. She set a great example and I know that Karen and her other children will carry the torch she passed to them with dignity and grace. I pray God’s strength to each of you.
Sincerely,
Lawannah Watson
Mrs. Bryson, was a very classy lady. Will be missed. My condolences to the family.
I will always remember and love my friend and special Aunt Viola. Rest In Peace.
One of a kind and longtime family friend.
Sometime in our lives people come along who are fun, witty and kind and we expect to always be able to see them. Mrs. Bryson was one of those people. You always knew that laughter, and words of wisdom were coming with her. Mrs. Bryson is the epitome of living your best life! She enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest! Scripture tells us that “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Bryson family be blessed!
Mrs. Bryson was a wonderful assistant principal and my neighbor for a number of years. A beautiful person and someone who I will never forget..
Sending heartfelt condolences to the entire family, especially to my beautiful friends, Kathy and Karen! May our God continue to give you all perfect peace and love!
Much love,
Brenda Hicks
To The Bryson Family. I Send My Condolences To You All. I Was Blessed & Touched By Mrs. Viola Bryson During Her Journey While In Wilmington, Delaware She Was Soft Spoken But Made A Huge Impact On The Young Ladies Of W.H.S. ( Wilmington High School ) For Those Who Don’t Know. The Grace Of A Lady Taught Us Graciousness! To That I Am Thankful. Rest Heavenly! Look At Today, The All The Storm The Sun Shines Through! Peace & Blessings Family
With Love, Great Memory’s and Our Sincere Condolences.
The Turner Family – WHS Class Students –
A Blanket of Flowers are Forthcoming…
Ms. Bryson. The most spirited person I have ever met. Our chance meeting at West High School in the eighties blossomed into a true friendship. Who knew that we would remain close friends for years. Thank you for training me in your school of etiquette and most of all thank you for being a role model to the students of Columbus City Schools. Know that you made a difference in the lives of so many. You are loved and will be missed. Rest easy Mrs. Vi.
Bryson family, your mother finished her race, her course is done…she left a beautiful legacy. You have our heart felt condolences from our family to yours.
Be Blessed, Beverly McKinney
Tomas Starks
I offer my condolences to Keith and Ryan. You will be in my prayers
My deepest heartfelt condolences to the Entire family. Ms. Viola was my mothers closet and dearest friend and an “Auntie” to my siblings and me. She was a phenomenal woman whom I have always admired. She will be missed beyond measure. Prayers of comfort to the family.
R. Regina Ross Young