City of Columbus

Edna L. Bryce, a native of Fairhope, Alabama, was one of many African American "domestic immigrants" who sought a broader landscape of opportunity and freedom north of the Mason Dixon line. In 1926 she found that landscape here in Columbus. For the rest of her life she worked to make Columbus a better place for all people.

In 1934, she began Bryce Florist in the living room of her home. With no experience, training or resources Edna L. Bryce built that business into a profitable institution, Because of her tireless efforts with both the business and the community she was affectionately known as "The Flower Lady".

As a successful businesswoman, an influential political activist and a community leader she was the driving force in the development of the Mt. Vernon Avenue District Improvement Association during the 1950's. While president of the association she was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the development of the Mt. Vernon Plaza.

While many boards, committees, organizations and volunteers projects benefitted from Edna L. Bryce, none was as dear to her heart as the Columbus Branch of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, to which she devoted much of her life.