Oct. 22, 1935 – Oct. 15, 2015

Mary Ross Bryan Ferril was born in Louisville, Alabama to George Wesley Bryan and Mary Roccer Johns Bryan. Mary is survived by two younger brothers, Johns Wesley and Gregory Alan, who filled Mary’s youth with fun and adventure.

Mary was always thankful to have had the opportunity to receive a Christian education at both Culter Academy and Biola University in Los Angeles. She had no idea in the fourth grade that her classmate, William Ferril, would become her husband when they were both 19.

Bill and Mary were married on April 3, 1955 and they were blessed with three children: William Bryan, Michael James and Joanne. In 1960, Bill and Mary moved from the South Bay to La Crescenta, where they lived together for 55 years.

Mary received her Associate Arts degree from Glendale Community College. She was an elementary school teacher, a piano teacher and she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at La Crescenta First Baptist Church for many years. Mary and Bill were a very happy team; ever grateful for the wonderful families and communities in which they were raised, they made it a priority to contribute to their own and surrounding communities in a variety of ways.

Mary was endlessly loving and compassionate and in 1975 her family welcomed their daughter Joanne’s friend, Diane, into their home. Diane, her husband Sam Balisy, and their sons, Jordan and Ian, have all been a part of the Ferril family for many years.

Seven wonderful grandchildren also survive Mary: David, Billy, Hayes, Marissa, Daniel, Connor and McKenna. Treasured sisters-in-law, daughters-in-law, extended family, friends, and neighbors enriched Mary’s life and have given invaluable support to the family through the toughest of times.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21 at La Crescenta First Baptist Church at noon with a reception following in the church fellowship hall. The address is 4441 La Crescenta Ave.; La Crescenta. The church phone number is (818) 249-5832.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name to The Salvation Army; P.O. Box 10818; Glendale, CA 91209-3818.