Roger Bryan

Roger Bryan, Sr. transitioned peacefully to eternal rest on October 21, 2020. He was born on March 26, 1922 in Cambridge, Maryland to the late James Robert Bryan and Ada Rebecca Wilson Bryan. He was the youngest of six children, who preceded him in death. Roger attended the public schools in Dorchester County, Maryland where he was active in academic and extra curriculum activities while at Frederick Douglass St. Clair High School. He was a member of the King Solomon’s Honor Society, a member of the first band organized at St. Clair, and a member of the basketball teams from 1937-1939. He graduated from St. Clair in 1939. Roger attended Morgan State College in Baltimore, Maryland where he graduated with a B.S. Degree in Physical Education and from Columbia University in New York with a Masters of Arts Degree in Administration and Supervision. He accumulated advance credits beyond his MA Degree at other institutions. He married the late Wiona Ballard and from this marriage they became parents to Portia, Simmone, Roger, Jr., Daun, Cheryl, and James. Roger later married Helen Powell and they became parents to Marsha. Roger spent three years in the armed services during World War II. He served in the 370th Infantry, 370th Regimental Band and the 301st Army Ground Forces, which served in the Europe Theatre of Operations. The 370th Band led the V.E. Day Parade in Reams, France in 1945. The highlights of his career included organizing a tackle football team for the first time at Woodson High School in Crisfield, Maryland, organizing a baseball team while at Benedict College, coaching Moton High School to nine State Championships during his eleven-year tenure and initiating a gymnastic program in elementary schools in Howard County, Maryland. He was a teacher in Somerset County, Talbot County, Howard County and also at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. Roger enjoyed watching the young minds that he taught mature and become productive citizens. He still remained in touch with many of his former players. Roger retired from the Howard County Public School System on July 1, 1983. During his tenure there, he taught elementary school physical education and later became the area supervisor for physical education. In his early years he was a member of Waugh Methodist Church in Cambridge, Maryland. After moving to Baltimore, Maryland, he became a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church which merged with Elderslie St. Andrews United Methodist Church. In retirement, he spent much of his time, talent and treasure helping his church where he served as a trustee, worship committee member, Pastor-Parish Chairperson, choir member and chair of the Black History Month Activities. Roger will truly be missed by many he touched. His legacy will endure for years to come. He leaves to cherish his memory : His wife, Helen Powell Bryan, two sons: Roger (Sharon) Bryan, Jr. and James Robert (Kimberly) Bryan, three daughters: Daun Bryan Davis, Cheryl Bryan Hill and Marsha Bryan Brunson, 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, brother-in-law, Sherley O. Powell, sister-in-law , Florence Powell, a special cousin-in-law, Elva Allen, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Central Maryland at; https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1&s_affid=83

Tributes

Roger Bryan

March 26, 1922 - October 21, 2020