Thelma Bryan

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Thelma Bryan on April 21, 2026, at her home in Walterboro, South Carolina. After a courageous battle with cancer, she departed this world surrounded by the love of her family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and unwavering support to all who were blessed to know her. Thelma was born on November 18, 1949, in Walterboro, South Carolina, to the late Hayward and Donie Warren. She was the youngest of their children and was predeceased by her sisters Sheba Lowery, Daisy Smith, Barbara Prescott, and Vesta Blocker. Her heart and spirit will continue to live on in her loving family, including her devoted husband of 41 years, Bill Bryan, her cherished daughter Dena Headley, and her precious grandson Joshua Headley, along with his girlfriend Lee G. Thelma is also survived by her beloved brothers, Ernest “Bubba” Warren and Dave Warren, and a host of nieces and nephews who will forever hold her memory in their hearts. Thelma and Bill's love story began on February 1, 1983, and they were united in marriage on November 1, 1985, in Beloit, Wisconsin. In 1992, they returned to Thelma's hometown of Walterboro, where they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. Thelma was known for her entrepreneurial spirit, having owned her own cleaning business in Wisconsin before her long tenure of almost 22 years at the Tobacco Shop in Walterboro, from which she eventually retired. Thelma's passions extended beyond her work; she found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid gardener, delighting in planting flowers and watching them bloom. Her porch became a haven for laughter and camaraderie with dear friends. She possessed a heart of gold, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Her infectious laughter and zest for life were evident during her cherished fishing trips with her sisters and in the gatherings of family and friends that she held dear. Her family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nurses Alana and Robin from Amedisys Hospice, who provided exceptional care and comfort during her final days. Thelma's family is eternally thankful to her husband Bill for their 41 years of happiness, and to her daughter Dena, who remained steadfastly by her side. The family also expresses their appreciation to her grandson Josh, who grew into the man she always dreamed he would be, and to his girlfriend Lee for their love and support. Special thanks are extended to her niece Wendy Martin and DC for their unwavering love and smiles, to Lisa Thomas for her support, and to nephew Tony Lowery for his presence. Thelma's extended family of friends, including Scottie and Jen Moore, Jimmy and Jan Morris, Jeannie Robertson, Doris Edwards, Alice Morrison, Diane Johnson, Nancy Miller, and Scotty Craven, brought immense joy and comfort to her life, especially during her battle with cancer. Thelma Bryan's life was a testament to love, resilience, and the profound impact of generosity. Her spirit will forever be a guiding light to those she leaves behind, and her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we say goodbye, we find solace in knowing that she is now at peace, enveloped in the boundless love she gave so freely in life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, in honor of Thelma's compassionate spirit and her enduring legacy of giving. May she rest in eternal peace, forever remembered and beloved.