Maritta Crotts Bryan

Maritta Crotts Bryan, age 87, beloved mother and wife, ascended into heaven Tuesday, June 18, 2024. She was born in Salem, Virginia, on April 6, 1937, in the midst of the Great Depression, the sixth child of the late Amos and Erma Crotts.

Maritta cherished her childhood memories of playing football with the neighborhood kids and was proud of being a “tomboy.” She graduated from Andrew Lewis High School and worked at GE where she met her husband, Daniel Bryan. They married in 1965 and were together for 58 years, raising three children together.

Maritta was a devoted mother, especially to her third child, Mark, who was born with Down’s Syndrome. She was a devout Christian, and her faith and love of the Lord guided and comforted her throughout her life. She was happiest when in fellowship with her sisters of faith, including her close friends Yvonne Williams and Leigh Ann Sowder. Those who knew Maritta always felt comforted by her prayers. She had a ready smile and a keen sense of humor. She will be forever missed by her surviving family.

Maritta is preceded in death by her sister, Frances Brooks; brothers Roy, Raymond, and Frank Crotts. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Bryan; daughters Laura (James) Jordan, and Ann (Eric) Sollinger; son Mark Bryan; sister Evelyn Rakes; grandson Joshua Swain; and granddaughter, Katherine Sollinger.

Visitation will be from 1 pm to 2 pm, Saturday, June 22, at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, 305 Roanoke Blvd, Salem, VA 24153. A memorial service will be held immediately following the visitation. Maritta will be laid to rest at Sherwood Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.