Helen Gentry Bryan

Helen Gentry Bryan, 99, of Greenwood, SC, formerly of Abbeville, SC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Wesley Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Greenwood. Born in Saluda County, SC, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Caroline Cook Gentry.

Helen was the beloved wife of the late Joe Prince Bryan and a dedicated mother to her late daughter, Jo Marie Bryan. She devoted 25 years of her career to Edith’s Decorating House in Abbeville, SC. Helen had a deep passion for gardening, especially for cultivating beautiful roses, which she delighted in sharing with those she loved.

A cherished member of Greenwood First Baptist Church, Helen actively participated in various church activities, reflecting her generous spirit and unwavering faith. For over two decades, she was a valued resident at Wesley Commons, where she engaged fully in community life and became a beloved ambassador of the retirement community. Her 'servant's heart' and gracious demeanor embodied her love for others and for God.

Helen’s legacy lives on through her many nieces, nephews, and their spouses.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, her daughter Jo Marie, her three sisters, Edith Gentry Bell, Blanche Gentry Charles and Mary Gentry Cheek and a brother, Cecil Gentry, who was killed during World War II.

The family will receive friends from 10:00AM to 11:00AM on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Harris Funeral Home, 302 N. Main Street, Abbeville, SC. Funeral services will begin at 11:00AM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. David Jennings officiating. Graveside services will be 3:00PM on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 in Little Stevens Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, 1194 Meeting Street Road, Edgefield, SC 29824.

In honor of Helen's memory, the family is deeply grateful for the years of friendship, care, and support provided by the staff of Wesley Commons and the compassionate professionals from Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Helen, may be sent to the Jo Marie Bryan Scholarship Fund, in care of, The Lander Foundation, 320 Stanley Ave., Campus Box 6004, Greenwood, SC 29649.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Bryan family.