of Hensley, AR
February 14, 1943 - April 21, 2014
Donna Jean, passed from this life to the other side on Monday the Twenty first day of April, 2014. She was born to Dewey Edmond Bryant and Mildred Alvern Pifer, Bryant, on the Fourteenth of February 1943. This Valentine girl was very special. Born with unique talents she could talk with a Governor, address a large group, or teach a Primary children's class in Sunday school. Had a marvelous ability to energize an organization or cook a meal for a thousand. She was a valiant church worker having served in many leadership callings within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Known for her care and giving, she touched many lives through her private and professional career. Given an early responsibility at home and in school her tasks were not for the fainthearted. Born to caring parents, who intended for their family to excel, provided the necessary discipline and standard which, was expected. As one of (6) siblings the assignments were given and carried out by a regimen of firm, but loving considerations. Through this example, Donna, achieved success in academics in High School, College, and in her profession. Graduating from Fuller High School in 1960 and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1979. She was married in 1961 and children quickly followed and though she would have preferred to stay home, a work career was necessary. While working and rearing a family she arranged to attend college and graduated with a degree in education.
Born into a Masonic family she had the desire to follow in her Mother's footsteps and joined the Levy Chapter, Order of Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron in 1971.
Professionally, she worked and served in a national organization committed to training and excellence in the world of business. Through this effort she was chosen to act as an Executive Officer and became a member of the Arkansas Society Of Association Executives. She was also a Trade Show Consultant, and every two years, she ran the largest Trade Expo of its type in the South. When she retired from business she became the Activities Director at the Willow House and served as the tour coordinator and Travel Host for the Hays Center in North Little Rock. As a volunteer she taught Piano at the Hays Center, and worked in the Crafts shop at the Willow House. After retiring she and her husband served their church on a Mission in Cove Fort, Utah.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Kenneth, Daughter, Sandra Longhurst (Kelly), Son, Brian (Beth), Son, David (Holly), and Grandchildren, Stephen Smith, Jamie Longhurst, Scott Longhurst, Brannon Smith, Hayden Smith, Mindy Longhurst, Megan Longhurst, Tyler Smith, Logan Smith, and Dawson Smith. Brothers; Leon Bryant, Wayne Bryant, and Stanley Bryant of Little Rock, and Clifton Bryant, of Tull, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Betty Ann Teer.
Family viewing will be Tuesday, April 29, 2014, 6-8 pm at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Arkansas. Funeral service will be the next morning at 10:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, Otter Creek, 13901 Quail Run Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas, with Bishop Doug Smith, and Stake President Carlton Wing officiating. Burial will follow at Ivy Chapel Cemetery, Ivy Chapel Road, Little Rock, Arkansas.
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17 Condolence(s)
Rhonda Pruitt
Friday, May 23, 2014
Its been a month since you left us and I will miss you and love you for the rest of my life! You were the first friend I met when I moved to Arkansas. Always there if I needed help or advice. Later you became a very important part of my beautiful wedding! I had come to know and love your family over the 20 years that I knew you! For these thing I will always be grateful!
Rhonda Pruitt, Redfield Arkansas
Dawn Poston
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Dear Cousin Ken and the rest of wonderful Donna's family, When I first met Donna I knew that she was a force with which to reckon!!! She burst with energy, ideas, and intelligence. Her caring and love was a palpable thing. Her devotion to, and love for, her family was admirable. I cherish the few times I was graced by her presence. I imagine her now, whipping heaven into line, gently but with a can do attitude. She was, and still is I"m certain, a whirlwind in God's kingdom. Love, Cousin Dawn
Renee Robison
Friday, May 2, 2014
My thoughts and prayers with all of you. I met her through the purchasing association with James Borchert back in the early 80s. She never forgot a face, and she was a great colleague through ASAE. A great lady, a great friend.
bobby and alfreda moody
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Thinking of you and your family. With our deepest sympathy.
Bobby and Alfreda Moody
Lisa (Johnson) Rich
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I remember her teaching many of our early morning seminary classes. She was a great example. So sorry for your loss.
Charla Kay Bryant
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with y'all. I always looked forward to seeing Donna Jean at every "Bryant Family Reunion". She was a wonderful person and I will miss her. Our hearts break, but thank the Lord she is pain free!! As we were 2nd cousins....I did not know she was also my fraternal sister in the Order of the Eastern Star.
Hugs and kisses! Love , Charla Kay
Belinda Greene
Monday, April 28, 2014
Brother Smith and family please accept our sincere condolences at this time. Sister Smith was such a lovely, sweet lady. Her smile would light up a room. I know she will be missed. May Heavenly Father give you great comfort at this time. Love and prayers, Brother Marvin and Belinda Greene, Little Rock Ward.
Linda
Monday, April 28, 2014
FROM ONE COUSIN TO ANOTHER, SOME DAY WE WILL ALL BE IN A BETTER PLACE
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY
Dick and Jeanie Pierson
Monday, April 28, 2014
Dear Smith family- We are so sorry to hear of Donna's passing. What a wonderful and sweet spirit she always was. Interactions with her were never dull. Stake meetings were always so much better when Donna was providing the food. We feel privileged to have known her and her family. Love to all of you.
Dick and Jeanie Pierson
Curtis & Hope Terry
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Ken and children remember where Donna is now a very great place and we all will be there someday our love ones are waiting on us .You are in our prayers stay near to one another in there times.
Shearon & sonny Pearson
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Donna, you will be missed. Rest in peace.
Georgia Murphy
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Kenneth, Sandra, Brian, David:
We are so sorry to hear of Donna's passing.
She was a great lady!
I also remember Donna's homemade popcorn balls she would make at Halloween for us neighborhood kids.
Our heart felt sympathy & prayers,
(Little) Georgia Graham Murphy & (Big) Georgia Graham
Stephanie Dixon
Saturday, April 26, 2014
To all in Donna Jean's Family, We are so sorry about her passing. She was, indeed, a unique individual with so many talents and abilities. Mostly, she was a loving woman who never failed to answer the call of someone in distress, the epitome of the woman with the kind heart. Her sense of humor also was one of defining characteristics and I loved being around her. You all have our sympathies and we share your grief.
Stephanie Dixon
Anita Tippit Hillenburg
Thursday, April 24, 2014
We are so sorry to hear about Donna. She was a wonderful person, like a second mom to us kids. She took us to School every morning for many years. I too, remember the great popcorn balls and homemade ice cream she made for her special kids.! May GOD give your family peace and comfort. The Tippit,s RL, Marcella, Anita, and Dwight
Sherry E Hungerford
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Donnas passing. She will be missed by many. I really enjoyed being a babysitter for her when the kids were little. Sending prayers and love you guys way.
Steve Hagerman
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Sending prayers to the family.
Kim Harris Hall
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Kenneth, Sandy, Brian and David:
So sorry to hear about Donna's passing. My most fond memories are of Donna making popcorn balls for us on Halloween!!! Death is so on hard but know that she is now in heaven without pain and will watch over all of you til you meet her again one day. Prayers for all of you!