WILMINGTON — Lynda Ann Peoples Bryan entered into God’s Kingdom on Sunday, November 9, at the age of 80. Lynda was in the arms of her two children when she passed at her home in Wilmington, NC.
Lynda was born on July 3, 1945, in Fayetteville, NC to her beloved parents George Elmer and Eva Ramsey Peoples. She was the baby of her tight-knit family of seven who loved to cook, laugh, play pranks and tell jokes. She was preceded in death by her siblings Elmer “Buddy” Peoples and Ronnie Peoples.
Lynda is survived by her cherished children Chance Bryan and his daughters Taylore and Hannah; and daughter Carrie Broyhill, her husband Mike, and their son Ketch. Lynda is also survived by loving siblings Reese Peoples and his wife Glen of Fayetteville; Kay Kelly and her husband John of Texas; and sister-in-law Lana Peoples of Fayetteville; as well as many special nieces and nephews.
Lynda graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1963. She was head cheerleader, president of the Glee Club, voted Miss Congeniality, and scored the winning touchdown of her senior year powderpuff football game. These were all stories she loved to tell. After high school, she went to Fayetteville Beauty College and shortly afterwards earned a position with the esteemed Merle Norman Salon. Her skills and magnetic personality grew her client base and she always loved “doing hair.”
In 1969, she married her high school sweetheart, Will Bryan, and they later had two children, Chance and Carrie. Lynda stopped working full time to raise her children and take care of her mother. Lynda was not only the most loving and selfless mother to her children, but to everyone who walked through her door. She nurtured family members, friends and neighbors with her delicious cooking, funny stories, warm embrace and lending ear. She loved Jesus, going to church, shagging and beach music, and spending time with loved ones; she also never met a stranger.
In 2002, Lynda moved to Wilmington, NC to be closer to her daughter. She embraced her new chapter in life working as the top leasing agent at The Keys Apartments where she also found her community. She loved thrifting, volunteering at the women’s shelter, and cooking for and giving haircuts to whomever needed a meal or a trim. Lynda’s generosity knew no bounds. She was a bright light who made everything special and fun, always desiring to help and nurture others.
To know Lynda was to love Lynda, and to be loved by her was to feel a love unmatched by any other. Her legacy lives on through traditions, storytelling, and her recipes. She always said, “in order to be a good cook, you have to love who you cook for!” She loved with all her heart.
A celebration of Lynda’s life will be held at a future date.
In the meantime, please be sure to play and enjoy the slideshow of her life she loved so much and share online condolences with the family here.
