Bernice Welborn Bryson, age 86, of Banks County, Georgia, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Born on July 11, 1939, in Clarkesville, Habersham County, Georgia, Bernice was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord. She was a 25-year resident of Banks County and a devoted member of Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
Bernice lived her life as a Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 woman, loving the Lord with all her heart and faithfully supporting her husband, the late Elder Paul Willis Bryson, in his ministry. As a pastor’s and missionary’s wife, she was a source of encouragement and strength, even accompanying him on some of his mission trips.
She was a woman of many gifts and quiet talents. Many knew her love of singing, but those closest to her knew she loved to read and kept a personal library in her home. She enjoyed playing board games-- if you played Scrabble with her, you probably lost. She was also a talented artist, often drawing and painting—though not many knew of her skill. Known for her cooking and warm hospitality, her home was always a place of welcome and love for her family, friends, and church family.
She is survived by her children: David (Amanda) Bryson, Carol (Tim) Savage, and Cheryl (Glenn) Churchwell; seventeen grandchildren; forty-one great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Bernice was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, Paul Willis Bryson; her son, Vernon Ray Bryson; infant great-grandsons, Chandler and Karson; her father, Joseph Lawrence Welborn, Sr.; mother, Harriett Worley Welborn; brothers, Joseph Lawrence “JL” Welborn, Jr. and Harold Jacob Welborn; and sisters, Myrtle Welborn, Flora Bertha Carroll, and Imogene Ellaree Free.
Her legacy is one of faith, love, and family. She will be remembered for her lively spirit, unwavering devotion to God, and the way she built her home and family on the firm foundation of Christ.
Funeral services are 11 am on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire.
Interment will follow in Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the funeral home.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bernice Welborn Bryson, please visit our flower store.