Grace Elisabeth Bryer

1936–2024

Grace Elisabeth Bryer, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and Children's Ministry evangelist, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Born in Nanchang, China, in 1936, Grace was the cherished daughter of Russell and Dorthea Glazier, missionaries whose profound faith and work laid the foundation for Grace’s extraordinary life. Her early years were shaped by resilience and faith during the Japanese occupation. At just six years old, in the midst of World War II, she journeyed across the globe aboard the M.S. Gripsholm, returning to the United States. After a brief stay in New York, she returned to China in 1947, attending boarding school nestled in the picturesque mountains of Guilin.

Grace's adventurous spirit continued as she once again crossed oceans in 1951, traveling to the U.S. on the Martin Bakke, a cargo ship carrying Japanese prisoners of war. She arrived in Oakland, California, before completing her journey to New York by train.

Her deep faith began to blossom in fourth grade, when she asked Jesus Christ to be her Savior, setting the course for a lifetime of unwavering spiritual devotion. Grace’s passion for sharing the Gospel was evident in every relationship she nurtured. Her conversations naturally turned to faith, as she sought to share God’s love with everyone she encountered.

Grace graduated from high school in Machias, New York, and pursued her Bachelor’s degree in English at Wheaton College in Illinois. There, she met the love of her life, Kenneth Bryer. Their marriage in 1958 marked the beginning of a beautiful union that spanned over 67 years, blessed with six children: Stephen, Beth, Tim, Becky, Nathan, and Debbie (Sam).

In the early 1970s, Grace earned a master’s degree in special education from Northern Illinois University. As an early pioneer in the then-nascent field of special education, she brought transformative impact to countless students and families. Grace's teaching journey spanned states, including Illinois, Oregon, and California, enriching lives wherever she went. Beyond the classroom, her summer Good News Clubs became legendary, where she captivated young hearts with Bible stories and life lessons, rooted in her own remarkable journey of faith and perseverance.

A gracious hostess and a generous soul, Grace welcomed friends and family into her home with open arms. She delighted in sharing Sunday dinners with college students who found themselves far from home, ensuring no one felt alone. Her heart always reached out to the lost and wandering, offering them compassion and connection.

Grace was also an intrepid traveler. From China to New Zealand, England to Ecuador, her boundless curiosity took her across the globe. She gained many friends from around the globe over the years and many travels.

Grace had a unique eye for beauty. She delighted in surrounding herself with “pretty things,” finding joy in little treasures that told stories of her life. Her uncanny ability to choose “just the right knick-knack” filled her home with souvenirs, tchotchkes, and keepsakes from her many adventures. These small, thoughtful reminders were a reflection of the places she had been and the people she had loved. In addition to her eye for beauty, she had a natural talent for poetry and art. She blessed many people with her beautiful poems that ranged in subject from young people to animals to the changing of seasons. Her artistic ability was clearly shown in the many paintings she completed over her lifetime.

She cherished the performing arts, participating in local productions and savoring operas during her travels. Her beautiful voice, a gift from God, blessed church choirs for many years, lifting spirits through song.

Grace’s adventurous spirit knew no bounds. Whether hiking, sledding, snowshoeing, or swimming, she embraced life with contagious enthusiasm—even if her children or grandchildren occasionally scolded her for not "acting her age." Her playful response was always a smile and a spirited “Why not!” Her love of nature endured in her later years, with walks and swims becoming cherished moments of reflection and joy.

Above all, Grace was a devoted prayer warrior. She took a genuine interest in the lives of those around her, always asking how she could pray for them. Her unwavering dedication to intercessory prayer became a spiritual covering for countless lives—a legacy that now calls others to step forward and carry the torch.

Grace will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, unwavering faith, and boundless love for her family and friends. She is survived by her husband Kenneth and her six children, Stephen Bryer, Beth Stough (Tim), Tim Bryer, Becky Howell (John Gambatese), Nathan Bryer (Laura) and Sam Bryer (Debbie Linn). Her thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She poured her heart and soul into raising her children, instilling in them the same values of faith, compassion, and integrity that she held dear. Her children were her greatest joy and legacy, and she leaves behind a lasting impression on their lives.

A memorial/celebration of life service for Grace will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 11:30am, at Glen Eyrie, 3820 N. 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. Meeting to be held in the Cedar Ridge Lodge, Upper Meeting Space. (Right side of the “loop”, 2nd Building on the right)

Her life was a testament to courage, curiosity, and compassion, and her legacy will inspire generations to come. While her radiant presence will be profoundly missed, her light lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” —John 14:3

May Grace rest in eternal peace with her beloved Savior, Jesus Christ.