Mary E Sullivan

Mary Bryan Strader Sullivan entered eternal life on Tuesday, June 3rd at 1:00 p.m. in the care of Hendrick Hospice and surrounded by her loved ones. After a long and courageous battle with lymphoma, she is now healed and in the presence of her Savior, where she is most likely redecorating Heaven.

Mary was born in Abilene, Texas, on January 13, 1952, the fourth of six children to Mary and Edwin Bryan. Her passion and life’s work were creating spaces filled with beauty and elegance as an interior designer. She was also a curator of fine antiques and could often be found in her “happy place” at Living Chic in downtown Abilene. Most of all, Mary loved helping people, all of whom she called friends, discover what might bring them joy in their own homes. Mary’s positive view of the world and her vibrant and generous spirit made a lasting impact on the community around her.

Mary leaves a legacy of grace, hospitality, and unwavering faith in Jesus in her five children and their spouses, Ross and Leslie Strader of Tyler; Kimberly and Thomas Law of Aledo; Sara and James Isbell of Arlington; Molly and John Hunt of Waco; and Elliot and Keila Strader of Frisco. As well as her children by marriage, Hayley and Brent Conger of San Antonio, and Kassidy and Blake Johnston of Lubbock.

She was the proud Nana to 22 grandchildren: Maggie, Jay, Katherine, Ethan, Bethany, Olivia, Tucker, Elizabeth, Whitney, Miles, Lucy, Sunny, Corlie, Alice, Henry, Harriet, Hunt, Lyles, Pack, McLane, Mara Michael, and Sam.

As Nana, Mary was legendary for creating rich traditions such as Christmas pajamas for every grandchild and extended grandchild, and the greatly anticipated Nana Camp each summer. She had a gift of connecting her “little people” in various meaningful ways, and they often included prayer circles and matching t-shirts.

Mary is survived by her husband of 24 years, Scotty Sullivan, whom she loved dearly. He faithfully cared for and loved her through sickness and in health. She is also survived by her sister, Martha Rau, and brother John Bryan. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Mary and Edwin Bryan, and three brothers, Jerry, David, and Fred Bryan.

There will be a celebration of life on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 2:00 in the afternoon at Piersal Funeral Home, 733 Butternut Street, Abilene, Texas, formerly the Abilene Bible Church, where Mary grew up attending. A visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday before the service.