Karen Sauls Bryan passed away Wednesday June 3, 2009 at home surrounded by her family and friends. Karen Bryan, born Karen Sauls was a fun-loving, caring and generous person who loved nature, bird watching and traveling-but most of all spending time with her family and friends. Karen was born in Goldsboro on May 25, 1954 to William Henry and Helen Virginia Sauls. She is survived by her two sisters, Ann Sauls Page and Sandy Sauls Pedersen. She attended Goldsboro High School, and went on to graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Special Education from East Carolina University. Her work with special-needs children was truly rewarding and she had a profound effect on many of their lives. While still in high school, Karen met the love of her life and future husband, William E. Bryan III, better known as Bill. The two were together through college and married August 7, 1976. Their children are William E. Bryan IV, aka "Little Bill" and Katherine Jane Bryan or Katie soon came along to complete their lives. As a family, the Bryan's made many precious memories together including boating, camping, traveling and time spent with friends. Little Bill will remember his mother for always being forgiving and uplifting. He will never forget rocking on the front porch of a lodge in Yellowstone National Park, talking until the wee hours of the morning with his mom. Katie will always treasure the connection she and her mom shared. Sh will never forget how her mom would go out of her way to make sure her family was always happy. Katie's fondest memories include their time in Beaufort, NC and traveling to Italy. Anyone that knew Karen will remember her constant smile and contagious laugh. Her loving laughter will echo in our ears forever. She was truly an inspiration to us all, living each day with positivity and unwavering happiness. Please join the family for a celebration of the life of Karen Sauls Bryan on Thursday June 11, 2009 at 6;30 PM at The Matthew's House, 317 Chatham St. Cary, NC 27511, (919) 461-1944. Please dress casually and come prepared with your best memory to share. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Wake County at www.hospiceofwake.org. The online guestbook is available at www.apexfuneral.com Dear Karen, in the words of Van Morrison, " Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic..."