Carol Jean Bryson, age 83 of Forest City died Tuesday, June 2, 2026. She was a native of Cleveland County and a daughter of the late Carroll Donald Stanley and Thelma Elizabeth Clark Stanley.   Jean worked for Timken Corporation in the Assembly Department until her retirement. 

She was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church where she was active in the church activities and taught Sunday school for many years.  She enjoyed Atlanta Braves baseball, and traveling with her late husband.  She loved spending time in the mountains and travelling onboard cruise ships.  Above all, her faith was the most important part of her life and sharing her faith with others.  

Survivors include her daughters, Regeana Bryson Word and husband Ron of Tryon, Lynn Bryson McGinnis and husband Josh of Bostic, her brother, Robert Donald Stanley of Ft. Worth, Texas.  There are also 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 3 o’clock on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with the Reverend Stephen Matheny officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 o’clock prior to the service in the Sanctuary.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of The Carolina Foothills, Post Office Box 336, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.  

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com