Vivian Warren Bryson, 82, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2026, following an extended illness. A native of Haywood County, she was born on January 2, 1944, to the late James and Virginia Warren, and was a graduate of Bethel High School.

As the oldest of seven children, Vivian always kept a watchful and loving eye on her younger siblings as they grew up. She also maintained an exceptionally close relationship with her mother from childhood all through her adulthood.

In March 1964, Vivian married her beloved husband, Duane Bryson. They built a happy and loving life together over 62 years of marriage, which included taking many wonderful US and international trips during their retirement.

Vivian’s roles as a mother and grandmother were her proudest and most cherished. She delighted in her role as mother to Lisa and grandmother to Emilie, especially treasuring the special time she and Emilie spent together during school breaks when Emilie was younger. She was always eager to share the latest pictures of Lisa, Matt, and Emilie.

Professionally, Vivian worked for several years at both the Dayco Corporation and the Waynesville Kmart store. Outside of work and family, she was very creative and artistic, particularly enjoying drawing and painting classes in retirement. She was also an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution – Hughes Rogers Chapter, where she served for several years as chapter secretary.

Vivian will be remembered as a kind, gentle, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister.

She is survived by her husband, Duane; daughter, Lisa Franz; son-in-law, Matthew Franz; granddaughter, Emilie Franz; sisters, Lillian Dellinger, Linda Revis, and Brenda Scott; brother, Michael Warren; sister-in-law, Joyce Warren; and a host of extended family members who will carry forward her memory with love and gratitude.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, James and Dennis Warren, and her in-laws, Carl and Ninnie Bryson.

A service will be held on October 24, 2026, at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Antioch Baptist Church.

The care of Mrs. Bryson has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.