Mrs. Jessie Bryan

Jesselene (“Jessie”) Jordan Bryan was born on October 13, 1928, to Lee Rucker Jordan and Frances Bernice Williams Jordan in Gunter, Texas. She grew up in a lively and loving household with five siblings—three sisters and two brothers. Jessie met the love of her life, Alfred Lee Bryan, through Melrose Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. They were married on May 11, 1951, and together they built a beautiful life grounded in faith, family, and service. While living in Houston, Jessie and Alfred welcomed three children: Michael, Terry, and Nancy.

In 1963, the Bryan family relocated to Caldwell, Texas, where Jessie and Alfred would remain for the rest of their lives. Jessie quickly became a cornerstone of the Caldwell community through her tireless volunteer work. She was a passionate advocate for the March of Dimes and frequently volunteered at the Veterans Hospital in Temple, Texas. She was a charter member of the Hospital Auxiliary at Goodnight Memorial Hospital, where she served with distinction for 13 years as an elected director on the hospital district board.

Jessie’s commitment to service extended deeply into her work with the Lions Club. A proud and active member until her final days, she held roles including District Governor, State Chairman of Leader Dogs for the Blind, and Charter Member of the Caldwell Burleson County Lions Club. She found profound purpose in the Lions Club's mission of service and was honored with numerous distinctions during her tenure, including the E.B. “Texas” Mayer award, the International President’s Award, elevation into the Texas Lions Hall of Fame for district 2-S5 (2018), the Visionary Model Club Award for the Caldwell Burleson County Lions Club (2022) , and the International President’s Leadership Award (2025). She was a major donor to LCIF’s campaign 100 program, receiving a Slugger bat signed by international President Brian Sheehan in recognition of this exceptional contribution. She was a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow in Lions Club International Foundation, a Progressive Jack Welch Fellow in the Texas Lions Camp, a Texas Lions Fellow, and a TLERC Fellow. The friendships and connections she made through this work enriched her life and left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

A woman of steadfast faith, Jessie was passionate about sharing the word of Jesus Christ. She actively supported First Baptist Church Caldwell through countless volunteer efforts and found joy in teaching and uplifting others with her deep spiritual knowledge.

Jessie is survived by her children: Michael and Pam Bryan, Terry and Ray Larson, and Nancy Stewart. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Lesley and Shayne McGehee, James and Drea Bryan, Christopher and Marie Larson, Kelly and Collin Ross, Erik and Kealy Stewart, Meagan and Camille Stewart, and Jordan Stewart; and great-grandchildren: Hunter and Reed McGehee, Duke and Tate Stewart, Chanelle Dorsett-Poe and Sophia Ross.

A trailblazer throughout her life, Jessie worked diligently in various roles during her young adulthood, and remained dedicated to her community through professional, religious, and volunteer commitments. She taught cooking AND shooting in the Burleson County 4H club, proving that she really could do it all. Jessie was an avid golfer throughout her lifetime, and she enjoyed both playing the game as well as regularly volunteering to caddy for professional events.

Jessie passed away peacefully in her home in Caldwell, surrounded by her family, on June 26, 2025. Her vibrant spirit, generous heart, and enduring faith leave a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her.

Serving as Pallbearers are Erik Stewart, James Bryan, Mike Bryan, Christopher Larson, Allen Jancik, Jay Caddel, John Pollock and Norman Feil. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Al Picone, Danny Stribling, James Haverland, TJ. Tijerina and Joe Franks

In lieu of flowers Memorial Donations are encouraged to the Texas Lions Camp which was very important and special to Mrs. Jessie. Texas Lions Camp, 4100 San Antonio Hwy, Kerrville, TX. 78028.