Shari Gwen Bryan, 66, of Ellisville, passed away on September 16, 2026, surrounded by the love she spent a lifetime giving so freely to others. Born November 10, 1959, and originally from New Jersey, Shari lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, friendship, and service.

Shari was a devoted wife to Craig A. Bryan II and a loving mother to Chelsea Bryan and Craig A. Bryan III (Kyanna), and stepmother to Nicolas A. Bryan. Her children and family were the center of her world. She was, quite simply, a homemaker extraordinaire—someone who took great pride in caring for the people she loved and making home a place of comfort, warmth, and belonging.

Shari loved intensely and enthusiastically. She was kind, generous, and endlessly giving, with a smile that could light up any room. She truly never met a stranger. Whether someone needed advice, a listening ear, encouragement, or simply someone to care… Shari was there. She had a way of becoming an “adopted mom” to the people who entered her life, taking care of the details and looking after everyone around her because that was simply who she was.

Her faith in the Lord was at the heart of her life. She treasured Bible study, her church community, her crochet mission, and the fellowship of the Holy Hookers. Her faith was not only something she believed—it was something she lived, particularly during the most difficult years of her life.

For five years, Shari faced stage IV metastatic breast cancer with extraordinary strength, determination, optimism, and faith. Even while enduring her own challenges, she remained concerned about everyone else and rarely wanted those she loved to worry about her. She kept moving forward, staying involved in the lives of the people around her and continuing to give of herself.

Her determination became part of her story. After completing her first round of chemotherapy, she was known to proudly declare, “I’m a BEAST!” It was a phrase that perfectly captured the strength, humor, and fighting spirit with which she approached life.

Shari leaves behind her husband of 35 years, Craig A. Bryan II; her children, Chelsea S Bryan, and Craig A. Bryan III (Kyanna); her stepson, Nicolas A. Bryan (Axel); her siblings, David Jacobs, Karen Grove (Richard), and Heidi Jacobs; three nephews and four nieces.

She was preceded in death by Norman Stanley Jacobs and Eileen Zelda Jacobs and two nephews Evan Grove and Aaron Jacobs.

The many people whose lives Shari touched are a testament to the way she lived. She will be remembered in countless ways—in her faith, her generosity, her laughter, her crochet, the traditions she created, and even in the little things that will forever bring her back to mind: a loaf of Challah bread, the word “Fabuloso,” the number 89, or the sight of a frog, flamingo, or shark tooth.

Most of all, Shari will be remembered for how deeply she loved. She loved her Lord, she loved her family, and she loved the people around her with her whole heart. The lessons she taught, the care she gave, and the love she poured into others will continue through every life she touched.

A celebration of Shari’s life will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of Ellisville First Methodist Church, preceded by visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the fellowship hall.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that after fighting so courageously for so long, Shari has experienced the perfect healing promised through the faith she held so dearly embraced.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”

— Revelation 21:4

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”