Mr. Joseph Calvin Bryson

A Life Well Lived Joseph Calvin (Chip) Bryson, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and friend to so many with whom he crossed paths in life, was born in Greenwood, South Carolina on April 8, 1942, to the late Benjamin B. and Rosa Lee Kemp Bryson. Calvin is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Frankie Hamilton Bryson, daughter Kelley Simpson, son Clifford Bryson (Nichelle), stepdaughters Sharron Summers, Jill Kevala (Karl), sister Kay Blocker (Lee – deceased), eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, co-workers and classmates. Preceding Calvin’s passing are siblings, Leroy Kemp, Chester Kemp (Elizabeth – deceased), Jeffrey Kemp, George Bryson, Henry Bryson (Ann – deceased) and Shirley (Milton - deceased). Calvin attended public schools of Greenwood County, where he began his academic pursuits at East End Elementary, followed by studies at Brewer High School. He followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Henry, entering Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia in 1960. Calvin - being the ultimate trend setter - started Morehouse as an early entry student, enrolling in June before the beginning of the Fall semester. By the time his Freshmen classmates arrived on campus in September, Calvin had already figured out the lay of the land. He became a natural leader by helping everyone maneuver the campus terrain and steps to a more efficient college enrollment. At Morehouse, in the next four years, Calvin who became known affectionately by all as "Chip" or "The Chipster", created a persona as being grounded, well-rounded and just a very nice guy. He interacted closely with his classmates and likewise with under- and upper-fellow schoolmates. Calvin played pool, attended student lectures, athletic contests, inter-campus dances at Spelman and Clark as well. He let no grass grow under his feet. While constantly being dedicated to his studies, he participated in a wide range of activities, e.g., the Torch (yearbook staff) where he served as Layout Editor; Maroon Tiger reporter (student newspaper); and college marching band. In addition to those pursuits, Calvin was a member of the all-important student dining hall staff. He graduated from the 'House with a B.A. in mathematics in June,1964. To paraphrase Calvin’s Morehouse president, Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, who wrote to his students in 1964: "As the years just keep rolling along like old man river, there are classmates who you will never see again and those you will see infrequently --but they will remain vivid in your mind. That Torch is something that every graduating senior and Morehouse student body member should keep." That's a charge Cavin took to heart ....... demonstrating 'til his dying moment a concern for the well-being of everyone else, rather than himself. After graduating from Morehouse, Calvin enrolled at Atlanta Law School, where he received his J.D. in 1987. He served as Senior Assistant Public Defender with the City of Atlanta for 19 years. There Calvin represented indigent Atlanta citizens who most likely would not have had adequate representation. Prior to law school, he worked in professional sales with RCA Computer Systems Division, the Xerox Corporation and McNeil Pharmaceuticals. Calvin was also an Adjunct Professor of Para Legal Studies at DeKalb Technical College (now Piedmont Tech) where he taught Introduction to Law, Criminal Law, Torts, Wills and Estates, Legal Research and Legal Writing. Ever the Renaissance Man, Calvin embraced cooking after his retirement in 2008 and enrolled in culinary school at the encouragement of his best friend, Henry Byrd. Everyone thereafter lined up to acquire his popular, delicious bake goods. Calvin is a member of Berean Christian Church where he served on the Tutorial and Outreach Ministries. He was also a member of The DeKalb Lawyers Association and The Gate City Bar Association. Calvin's heart was always in a thankful place for the blessings God sent, and he never, ever took for granted the value of his family and friends. Memorial Service will be held, Friday January 27th at 11:00 a.m. at Berean Christian Church, 2201 Young Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30088. In lieu of flowers, make memorial donations to the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University - Development Office, 1762 Clifton Road, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30322 or call (404) 778-5175.

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Mr. Joseph Calvin Bryson

April 8, 1942 - December 13, 2022