Deza Rae Bryan

Deza Rae Bryan, 49, died Monday, January 6, 2025. 

Deza Rae, lovingly known as Dezi, leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She was born April 29, 1975, to Billy and Janet. She grew up in Bascom, Florida and started her higher education in Jackson County. She received her associate’s degree in nursing as well as her bachelor’s degree from Chipola College. Dezi then went on to obtain her master’s degree. She used her education to further her career in multiple areas of nursing. She worked as the Nurse Coordinator for the Neuro Unit at Southeast Health and was the Chief Nursing Officer at Emerald Coast Technical College. Over her nursing career, she also fulfilled assignments as a travel nurse traveling across the North & Southeast United States. Dezi’s love for people was evident in each position she held. 

While she continued to excel professionally, Dezi always found joy in life's simple pleasures. Dezi cherished concerts, hiking, the beach, and her family. She lived life to the fullest and especially loved spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved dog, Koko. Although her time with us was far too brief, the love and happiness she brought into our lives will be forever remembered. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Billy Edwin Bryan; paternal grandparents, W. W. and Maureen Wise Bryan; maternal grandparents, Hartwell Taylor and Mary Alice Christmas. 

Dezi is survived by her son, Dalton Bryan Smith; daughter, Hannah Shae Hodges, and husband, Hunter; mother, Janet Taylor McRae and husband, David; sister, Keisha Bryan Sunday; brother, Joshua Lance Bryan; niece, Parker Nicole Bryan and nephews, Sam Edwin Bryan, Eli Thomas Bryan, Jaxson Bryan Sunday and many friends and family who loved her dearly. 

Funeral services will be 11 AM, Monday, January 13, 2025, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel with Greg Roberts officiating. Burial will follow at First Baptist Church of Bascom Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. 

 The family will receive friends from 10 AM until the time of service at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.