Joan Doering Bryan, a resident of Greenville for more 30 years, died in Cape Coral, Fla., on Sunday, March 12, 2017.  She was born on Nov. 26, 1923, in Connecticut, one of 11 children, to Walter and Rita Doering. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Col. Jesse O. (Jobie) Bryan IV; one daughter, Karen Olivia; and several brothers and sisters.  She is survived by one daughter, Jessica Joan Bryan, and son-in-law, Keith Allen Hunter of Pine Island, Fla.; two sons, Jesse Oliver Bryan V of Spokane, Wa., and William Jennings Bryan of New York, N.Y.; granddaughter, Hannah Greer Williams, the “apple of her eye,” of Gainesville, Fla.; loving granddaughters, Olivia and Suzie Reynolds, Greenville, Ala.; one beloved and devoted sister, Lois Terp of Southold, N.Y.; one lifelong and cherished friend, Manuela Bossie of Great Falls, Mont.; and many nieces and nephews. 

Nothing gave her greater joy than a crossword puzzle and beer in hand, sand between her toes, and family by her side.  She will be remembered for a spirit not many people, or places, could contain.  Memorial contributions may be made in the form of a book to the Greenville Public Library or Ft. Dale Academy.