Linda "Paulette" Smallen Bryan, 78, of Athens went to her heavenly home on January 22, 2022, after a short illness.

She resided for the past year at Dominion Senior Living in Athens. Paulette enjoyed socializing, playing bingo, and taking short trips with other residents on their bus. She never lost her love of going. She was always an avid reader, sports enthusiast, and gardener until her failing health the last couple years. Paulette dedicated 30 years of her life volunteering starting at Woods Memorial and then continuing at Starr Regional in the Auxiliary. She served in many capacities as a "Pink Lady" and was a dedicated member. Her favorite duty was always visiting and delivering water to the nursing home residents.

The family would like to thank Dominion Senior Living of Athens for all their kindness shown to our mother. Also, many thanks to Hospice of Chattanooga for their support during this difficult time.

She was preceded in death by her late husband Gary Bryan; her parents Rev. Paul and Cleo Smallen; Brother, Kenneth Smallen; Brothers-in-law, Larry and David Bryan.

Family left to treasure her memories are sons Jerry Bryan (wife Susan) and John Bryan all of Etowah; daughter Karen Morgan (husband Tony) of Athens; sisters, Novella Hawkins (husband Don) and Vicki Smallen Hernandez both of Athens; sisters-in-law, Jayne Dunkle (husband Stanley), Lorene Bryan both of Etowah, and Brenda Bryan of Sweetwater; grandchildren, Tyson and Dusty Bryan of Knoxville, Charity Gainey (husband James), Candi Morgan, and Travis "Bubba" Morgan (wife Whitney) all of Athens, Tyler and Jordan Bryan of Etowah; several great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends will assemble at Bordwine Funeral Home, Monday, January 24, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. to go in procession to New Bethel Cemetery for a 10:00 a.m. graveside service. Robin Nation (Paulette's niece) will officiate. No formal visitation will be held.

The family requests donations be sent to the Starr Regional Auxiliary "Pink Ladies", in her memory, at 886 Highway 411 North, Etowah, TN 37331.