Patricia Ann Bryja

Patricia “Patty” Ann Duffy Bryja, 65, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Patty was born on November 15, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Dick and Patrice Duffy. She was a proud graduate of Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Class of 1979, and continued her education at Prairie State College.

Patty met the love of her life, Jim, while working in Chicago. Their shared laughter and devotion led to marriage on March 5, 1988, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned nearly four decades. Jim’s career eventually brought them to Knoxville, Tennessee, and later to Johnson City, where they built a life centered on faith, family, and community.

Patty believed that a little bit of lippy (lipstick) and a favorite pair of earrings could fix just about anything. No matter the occasion, even a quick trip out the door, she made the world a brighter place.

Patty had a true servant’s heart. She dedicated her professional life to caring for others, working as a paraprofessional with special needs students and in healthcare. Her compassion, patience, and unwavering kindness left a lasting impact on countless families.

Above all, Patty was a beloved wife, a devoted mother, and a loyal friend. She always put her family first, generously giving her time and energy to those she loved. Patty lived for her boys: Joseph, Michael, and Bobby. Being their mom wasn’t just something she did; it was who she was. She poured her heart into every game, every band performance, every milestone, and every ordinary day, shaping their lives with steady love and gentle guidance.

Patty lived with heart, humor, sassiness, and a whole lot of love. She never knew a stranger and was a friend to everyone, lighting up any room she entered. Patty had a way of making every person feel seen and valued. Her warmth, strength, and selfless spirit had a way of making every person feel seen. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Jim Bryja and a brother, Richard (Patti) Duffy.

Those remaining to cherish her memory include: three loving sons, Joseph Bryja, Michael Bryja, and Bobby Bryja; one brother, Kevin (Lu) Duffy; and several loving nieces and nephews, Collette Duffy, Caroline (Trevor) Gentry, Colleen (Drake) Orser, Christie (Alex) Leatherbury, John (Rosa) Duffy, and James (Stacy) Malkasian; and three great-nieces and nephews (with two more on the way).

A visitation for friends and family is scheduled from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, February 13, 2026, in the Dogwood Chapel at Morris-Baker Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00am Saturday, February 14, 2026, in the Dogwood Chapel at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. Rev. Annie Watson will be officiating the service. The funeral will be livestreamed and available to view on Patty’s obituary page.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a savings account established for Robert P. Bryja at Regions Bank.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Patty Bryja. 423-282-1521.