Betty Sue Bryan doesn’t see herself as an overachiever. As far as she is concerned, she is just someone who has lots of goals, many interests and the desire to have as full a life as possible.
That’s why, after a 10-year hiatus, the 78-year-old member of First Baptist Church, Birmingham, didn’t think twice about going back to finish the last 10 semester hours needed to complete her doctor of philosophy degree in theology.
This most recent educational feat was achieved in February when she received her doctorate from the International Bible College and Seminary in Independence, Mo.
The accomplished musician, who also holds a master’s degree from Louisiana State University in English and music — which she earned in 1992 at the age of 68 — is also a published poet, songwriter and author.
Because of her interest in creationism, she edited and updated a book written in the 1950s by her Christian mentor and well-known scientist, L. Allen Higley, author of “Science and Truth.”
His family gave Bryan permission to revise the book and her name, along with Higley’s, is listed as the author of the new updated version.
“I have revised Higley’s work by updating some of the scientific information and strengthening the theology by quoting from the inspired original languages,” Bryan said.
She was assisted in her endeavors by her theologian husband, Wayne Bryan, who is also a Baptist minister and holds a doctorate in theology from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
The Bryans met while they were both attending New Orleans Seminary in the 1940s and they have been serving in Baptist churches together, mainly in Louisiana, ever since — he as pastor, she as musical accompanist of either piano, organ, Autoharp or her first love, violin.
During their tenure at First Baptist Church in Fort Sulphur, La., they hosted a weekly television show, “Through the Bible,” for seven years that featured her husband preaching and Bryan providing musical entertainment.
Although Bryan’s interests are many, her roots are in music, evidenced by her training in violin that began at the age of 4 and continued all the way through college.
While in college she was awarded a music scholarship to a prestigious music college in New York that later merged with the Julliard School of Music.
“I can still clearly recall my first appearance at the age of 4 playing ‘Blue Bells of Scotland’ on my tiny violin for a radio program in Pennsylvania. I had to stand in a chair to reach the microphone,” she said.
Bryan, who currently plays in the Samford University symphony, has served as first violinist in numerous symphonies and has had the privilege of playing with the famous tenor opera performer, Pavarotti, during her tenure with the Baton Rouge Symphony.
During the 1970s Bryan decided to try her hand at poetry, song and devotional writing. Shortly thereafter she had her first book of poems and a book of ballads published.
“I just had a melody in my heart that I wanted to write,” she said matter-of-factly.
She eventually began incorporating her poetry, songs and devotionals into her musical performances.
“I love receiving letters from people who have sung my songs or read my poetry,” she said.
With Bryan’s latest educational accomplishment of obtaining her doctorate, she and her husband have taught theology classes as professors for Samford University’s extension program. (Her husband had previously served as head of the department of Old Testament at the Baptist College of Florida in Graceville, Fla.) “We taught courses in Christian ethics and the Book of Deuteronomy,” she said.
Although many people who reach the age of the Bryans (he is 80 years old) may slow down, the Bryans are still pursuing their many interests. They both participate in Sunday services at a retirement home in Birmingham, Chateau Vestavia, where they conduct Sunday morning services for the residents.
Bryan said that when she and her husband of 56 years were younger they would oftentimes pursue their work in different directions, but as of late they mainly work together.
“We’re starting to slow down just a little and we don’t like getting out much at night to drive. We make a really good team,” she said.
“Now that I have my doctorate, we’re sending out our resumés together looking for positions as adjunct professors. We don’t want to work full time anymore,” she added.
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