Shirley Maxine Bryant

Shirley Maxine Bryant, a beacon of warmth and family devotion, departed this world on July 4, 2024, at the age of 82, in Hugo, Okla. Born in Grant, Okla., on Aug. 16, 1941, to the late J.N. and Maxine (Nelson) Rhodes, Shirley’s life was one marked by love, commitment, and the simple joys of togetherness.

Shirley’s heart found its match when she married Clifton Leon “Sonny” Bryant on Nov. 11, 1960, in a heartfelt ceremony at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Hugo. Their union was blessed with years of happiness and three loving children who formed the cornerstone of her world. Shirley’s nurturing spirit extended to her two sons: Barry Bryant and his wife, Carolyn, Mike Bryant and his wife, Oleta, all of Hugo, and her daughter, Nancy Jackson and her husband, Tommy of Durant, Okla.

As the matriarch of a large and bustling family, she cherished the boisterous gatherings that brought together her seven grandchildren: Colby Bryant with wife, Stephanie, Britnee Valdez with husband, Erik, Chris Bryant and wife, Shyla, Birch Bryant and wife, Ming Ming, Ciera Hamill and husband, Matt, Lexee Jackson and Riley Bryant –– and reveled in the laughter of her great-grandchildren: Emmy Valdez, Ellison Valdez, Everett Valdez, Eliza “Lizzy” Bryant, Gabriel Bryant, James Bryant, Henlee Bryant, Clifton Bryant, and Harper Hamill; her supportive siblings: Dorothy Cody of Florida, Martha Davis and J.N. Rhodes both of Hugo, and her brother-in-law, Dalias Dickson of Hugo and sister-in-law, Barbara Leon. Shirley exuded a love that touched not only her family but an entire community that became an extension of her home. Before Shirley’s passing, she was preceded in death by her steadfast husband, Sonny, in 2015; her sister, Oleta Dickson; brother, Noel Leon; brothers-inlaw: Danny Bailey, Kenneth Cody, Buck Hunt and Jack Davis; her sister-in-law, Sharon Rhodes. Despite these losses, she remained a pillar of strength and a wellspring of wisdom to all who knew her.

For two decades, Shirley’s professional journey as a loan officer allowed her to forge countless friendships and support many in their financial goals. She continued her legacy of service as the Choctaw County Assessor, where her diligence and fairness benefited the community for an additional 20 years.

Shirley, a woman of many interests, left a legacy of compassion and care. Her life was honored, and her memory celebrated on Saturday, July 6, 2024. The service, officiated by Pastor Bob O’Neill, took place at Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Chapel.

As we bid farewell to Shirley Maxine Bryant, her light will continue to shine in the lives of those she touched. Her spirit, a blend of tenderness and resilience, will live on as a testament to a life well lived and a love well given.

Services were under the direction of Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home.

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