Obituary of Melba Louise Bryson

Melba went home to be with her Heavenly Family on Thursday November 17, 2022.

My mother was not someone who just lived and died. For 106 years she was on a wonderful journey. She was born at a time when people were just trying to survive. She was to be the oldest of 9 with 2 more girls and 6 brothers. At 10 years old, she was baptized at the old First Baptist Church (Uptown Charlotte) by Dr. Luther Little. Later, the family was living in Polkton and finances were stretched and when mama needed 25c for piano lessons it was not to be.

She showed determination and soon started teaching herself and eventually helped out in the Elementary school music. This was the start of sharing her talent to so many. She was organist and pianist at Hutchison Baptist Church for 12 years and Whiting Avenue Baptist Church for 36 years. She played for hundreds of weddings, funerals and community holiday services in what is now NODA.

When she was young she met one of the neighborhood boys, John W. Fitzgerald. They fell in love and were married in 1940 until he died in 1960. She was so lucky to meet Carl Bryson a few years later. He loved her, her family and Barbara Jane. Together they had a great life. They followed Barbara and Steve through their AF life from Mississippi, Alaska, AZ, NH, NE, England, D.C. and LV. She really enjoyed that!

She really loved her grandchildren: Lynn in WI, Carl (Tanya) in Utah, Robert (Amy) in the Army in MO and John (Angela) in Charlotte, NC.

She was so proud of their accomplishments, their independence and their families. They gave her 12 great grandchildren she adored.

If you were fortunate to have worked with, shared church time or any of her music, I am glad for you! She was a wonderful spirit. To say she will be missed is not enough, but one by one we will all be together.

Family and friends will gather from 1 – 2PM Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28203 with services following in the chapel at 2PM.

Memorial donations may be made to Boys Town, 200 Flanagan Boulevard, PO Box 6000 Boys Town, NE 68010.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the Tribute Wall provided.