Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

January 28, 2023

CHARLOTTE – Martha Nanney Bryson, known by her grace-filled presence, passed on Saturday, January 28, 2023, just a few weeks shy of turning 82.  To be with her was to have her fully present, smiling and encouraging, providing patience and support, and offering prayer if the occasion required.

Born in Hendersonville, NC, Martha was the third of four children of A.J. and Ethel Nanney and a graduate of Hendersonville High School.  Martha was a native of the mountains of Western North Carolina, which were “God’s country” for her.  She attended Mars Hill College, where she met her first husband, Edward Ray Mullaney.  Together, they moved to Charlotte, where they raised two sons, and Martha fulfilled part of her life’s work as a mother and homemaker.  She held myriad roles at St. John’s Baptist Church, over time serving as Sunday school teacher to children and adults, leading as director of the Women’s Missionary Union and as a deacon, and offering friendship and counsel to many.  Martha didn’t spend time talking about her faith, love, and friendship!  She lived it.

After Ray passed in 1990, Martha was grateful for the faith, family, and friendships that were always central to her life. 

Martha and Harry Thomas Bryson were married in 1993, happily expanding her family to include two daughters.  Life together brought new joys, challenges, and adventures.  The two traveled and enjoyed trips to see family, with family, and together.  Often times, the destination provided a chance to enjoy the wonder of God’s creation, especially mountains and flowers, which always brought Martha great joy. 

She is survived by her husband, Harry (“Tom”) Bryson of Charlotte; her sons, Brian Mullaney and his partner, Les Faulk, of Atlanta, GA and Scott Mullaney and his wife, Lynn and their daughter, Heather Coggins, of Raleigh; her step-daughters, Joanna Bryson and her husband, Will Lowe, of Berlin, Germany, and Barb Bird and her husband, Kevin, of Charlotte and their daughter, Rebecca Bird, of Elgin, IL.  Also surviving are her brother and sister-in-law, Don and Margaret Nanney, of Norcross, GA along with numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. 

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at St. John’s Baptist Church, 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

While flowers always brought great joy to Martha, the family respectfully suggests a donation to St. John’s Baptist Church be made in lieu. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.