Shawn Elaine Bryan

#shawnbryanlegacy 

In Celebration of the Vibrant Life and Art of Shawn Elaine (Sherman) Bryan

April 30, 1966 – June 23, 2026

Reynoldsburg, Ohio

 On the morning of June 23, 2026, the world lost a massive dose of color, laughter, and raw talent. Shawn, a brilliant artist, a hilarious comedian, and a fiercely protective mother, passed away at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy that is beautifully loud and entirely unforgettable.

 Born in Columbus, Ohio on April 30, 1966, Shawn was a woman of rare determination; she could achieve absolutely anything she put her mind to. A naturally gifted artist across all mediums, she infused everything she touched with creativity. She was the life of every party and the center of attention, using her sharp humor to bring joy and laughter to those around her, never hesitating to embarrass her loved ones if it meant cracking a smile.

Shawn was a lifelong, unapologetic mommy’s girl. Raised by her formidable mother, the matriarch Betty Elaine Sherman, Shawn was taught from day one to stand tall, look the world in the eye, and take no shit from anyone—especially men. Her mother was her ultimate anchor, her constant defender, and the blueprint for the fierce, independent woman Shawn became. 

She had a long, beautiful ten years of marriage with her husband Joe (Joseph Thomas Bryan) after which she continued to navigate life's trials with the matriarchal grit she inherited. Her journey faced immense turmoil following diagnoses of mental disorders in her 20s which included a long, brave battle with addiction that she struggled with until late 2025. Navigating a world that often responds to these interconnected struggles with isolation rather than support, Shawn fought her battles with fierce independence. Through all of life's trials, her deepest wish remained simple: to be understood and to be loved.  Her greatest love was reserved for her children and grandchildren. 

 She is preceded in death by many family, including her grandma and grandpa, and many friends too, especially her best friend, Kathy. 

 She is survived by her beloved mother, Betty Elaine Sherman; her four children: Asher Jade (Elaine Sherman) Queerly and wife Maria Christina (Terry) Queerly of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; Dillan Joseph Lewis Bryan of the Open Road; Logan Thomas Bryan of Columbus, OH; and Morrgan Shawn Bryan and wife Rose Maria Black of Reynoldsburg, OH; her cherished grandchildren, whom she loved to spoil completely: Faith Queerly, Thea Broyles, Ember Black, Haven Black, Evangeline Heiberg, and Euphemia  Heiberg; her sister, Farbra Elaine (Sherman) Miller and husband, her Niece, Alexis Elaine (Miller) Johnson and husband; two great nieces: Taylynn Johnson and Amarrah Johnson; her nephew Richard(Ritchie) Miller; and many other family and friends. 

  A celebration of Shawn's fiercely independent life and magnificent art will be held by her family. In honor of her memory, her family asks that you look at those digging through the trenches of mental illness and addiction with kinder eyes, love your people fiercely, and laugh as loudly as Shawn always did. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donation be made to #ShawnBryanLegacy foundation, a nonprofit we will be creating in her honor, to help others stuck in the cycle of addiction and those struggling with mental health, to give them a chance at a better life. 

 A showing for Shawn will be held from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday July 1, 2026 at Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio for the family, friends, and loved ones. The burial will take place the following afternoon, Thursday July 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Ridge-wood Cemetery, 203 East Broadway Street, Wellston, Ohio 45692.  After the burial family and friends will gather to support GMA and Shawn’s Children.

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