Irene Saunders Bryan, age 104, passed away November 17, 2023 in Dogwood Village Long Term Care, Orange, VA.  Irene was born November 18, 1919 in Brantley, AL on her Grandpapa Johnson's farm.  The family moved to Opp, AL when she was a young girl where she spent most of her life. She recalled walking to Sweetwater Baptist Church with her dad as a small child. After getting married in 1938, she spent her life as a farmer's wife, nurturing mother and homemaker. She and her husband Clarence bought a farm in 1949 where she lived for 62 years.  In 2011, Irene moved to Lake of the Woods, VA to live with her daughter and son-in-law.

Irene was an accomplished seamstress. Her artistic abilities expanded once the farm was not as demanding. She was comforted by playing hymns on the piano as well as painting.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Elaine Freeland and husband Joe; grandsons, Greg Bryan, Will Bryan and wife Sharon, Joe Freeland and wife Elizabeth, and Riley Freeland and wife Angela; great grandchildren, Willow Bryan, Walker Bryan, Jordan Freeland, Chloe Freeland, Julian Freeland and Sean Freeland.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-eight years, Clarence Bryan, her son Bill Bryan, her parents Riley and Daisy Saunders, and her brother Joseph Saunders and wife Myrtle.

A memorial service for Irene Bryan will be held at Sweetwater Baptist Church, Opp, AL, on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 11 AM with Wayne Sharp officiating. Visitation will take place an hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary. Interment will be private.

Contributions in Irene's memory can be made to Sweetwater Baptist Church, 28171 County Road 30, Opp, AL 36467.