Barbara Wilson Bryan's Obituary
Barbara Wilson Bryan, 77, of Proctorville, Ohio, slipped from this life into the arms of her Savior on Friday, November 28th, 2025, after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She passed away at home surrounded by family.
Barbara was born on March 4, 1948, in Huntington, WV. She is survived by her husband Doug Bryan, the “love of her life” for more than 55 years; their loving daughter, Kim Nelson and her husband Scott, and beloved grandchildren Torrin Nelson and Brynne Wall (Jacob); their devoted son, Todd Bryan and his wife Julia, and adored twin granddaughters Josie and Lily Bryan. She also leaves behind her younger sister and lifelong best friend, Betty Copley, nephew David Copley, and great nieces Trynitee and Emily Andreae. and a very special pet, “Dr.” Bella Bryan, who was a constant comfort and companion during Barbara’s illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin F. Wilson and Lillian Rae Bays Wilson, a dear niece, Jessica Copley, many special brothers- and sisters-in-law, as well as Pamela Le Bescond, Doug’s beloved daughter.
Days after graduating from Buffalo High School, Barbara began her career as an X-ray technician, and later became an MRI technologist. That early opportunity turned into a devoted lifelong career, which she continued with care and dedication for decades until retiring from St. Mary’s Medical Center. Over the years, she earned the respect and affection of coworkers and patients alike. Many of her coworkers became dear, lifelong friends—people who knew her candor, her strong work ethic, and her quick, sarcastic wit, and loved her all the more for it. Behind her sometimes-feisty humor was also a soft heart and a loyal spirit.
Barbara met Doug, and together they built a 55-year marriage, welcoming and raising two children side by side, their bond remaining steady through every season. Doug was a devoted caretaker and favorite coffee maker, always ready with a joke to make her smile. They shared a love for God, good coffee, the Cincinnati Reds, all things Marshall, and, most of all, their family.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to St. Mary’s Medical Center hospital staff, the compassionate care of Hospice of Huntington, to the many friends and family who faithfully checked on her and helped sustain them during this journey, and to the many incredible people who walked beside her as colleagues and friends over the course of her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cabell-Wayne Animal Shelter, in honor of Barbara’s love for animals and in gratitude for the joy her beloved Bella brought to her life.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory in Proctorville, OH, with Pastor Keith Wiebe, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at 1:00 P.M. Condolences may be expressed to the family at https://ehallfuneralhome.com
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