03/13/2026
Donna Sue Bryant entered her heavenly home on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the age of 86. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.
A funeral service celebrating Donna’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, at New Life Tabernacle in Sand Springs. Donna will be laid to rest at Sperry Rest Haven Cemetery. Viewing will be held at the church on Monday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Donna was born on June 28, 1939, in Sperry, Oklahoma, to George Richard Gowin and Mae (Wilburn) Gowin. She grew up in Sperry and graduated from Sperry High School in 1957, where she was proudly crowned Homecoming Queen. Donna also loved playing basketball—at least until her parents discovered her uniform.
Her high school sweetheart was Orville Elbert “J.R.” Bryant, Jr. When J.R. left for the military, their love endured the distance. On July 18, 1958, the two eloped to Arkansas and were married, beginning a lifelong journey together built on faith, love, and devotion. They made their home in Tulsa and Garden City before eventually settling in Berryhill, where J.R. pastored Berryhill United Pentecostal Church. For the last 26 years of her life, Donna faithfully attended New Life Tabernacle.
Donna dedicated her life to her family as a homemaker. She enjoyed reading and knitting, but what truly set Donna apart was her heart for encouraging others. She loved writing thoughtful notes and giving small gifts to friends and family who needed a lift in spirit. She had a special way of brightening someone’s day and reminding them they were loved.
Donna was deeply faithful—both in her marriage and in her walk with God. While she had a gentle and caring spirit, those who knew her well also knew she had a bit of “iron woman” in her. With just one look, she could make it very clear when someone had crossed the line—a look that family members would jokingly say could “curdle milk.”
Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Orville Elbert “J.R.” Bryant, Jr.; her parents; her grandson, Landon Bryant; and her siblings: Beatrice Robinson, Naomi Nantz, Richard “Dick” Gowin, Jr., Kay Alanis, and Johnny Gowin.
She leaves behind a loving legacy in her family: her sons, Mark Bryant and wife, Bobbie, and W. Greg Bryant and wife, Sonya; her grandchildren: Obie Bryant and wife, Crystal, Tim Weakley, Greg Bryant II and wife, D’Ann, Joshua Bryant, and Dallas Bryant and wife, Staci; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Payton Bryant, Jack Henry Bryant, Luke Bryant, Claire Weakley, Ethan Weakley, Amaryllis Bryant, Kinsley Bryant, Trip Bryant, Skyelyn Bryant, and Zane Bryant. She is also survived by her sister, Rose Marie “Rosie” Vega and husband, Johnny, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her greatly.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Life Tabernacle to support their Sobriety Ministry, 13107 W. 41st St., Sand Springs, OK 74063.
Donna’s life was a testimony of faith, devotion, and kindness. Her encouraging words, thoughtful gestures, and steadfast love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Donna Sue Bryant entered her heavenly home on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the age of 86. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs. A funeral service celebrating Donnas life will be held at 1000 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, at New Life Tabernacle in