Oklahoma Gospel Singer Anita Bryant Dies at 84, Leaving Legacy of Faith and Music
The family of Anita Bryant Day, a former Miss Oklahoma and Grammy-nominated singer, announced that she passed away on December 16 at her home in Edmond, Okla. She was 84.
Bryant spent her early years surrounded by the love of her family and the Christian faith. Her passion for music and performance blossomed early, leading her to a career that included her own TV show at age 12, her crowning as Miss Oklahoma at age 18, guest spots on Arthur Godfrey’s CBS programs and on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” and chart hits “Till There Was You,” “Paper Roses” “In My Little Corner of the World” and “Wonderland by Night.”
Bob Hope dubbed her his troupe’s “den mother” because of her propensity for taking care of others. According to The New York Times, she sang at the White House for President Lyndon B. Johnson and at his graveside service. In 1968, Bryant sang at both the Republican and the Democratic national conventions. She was known especially for her rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” On the lighter entertainment side, she also sang at the Super Bowl in 1971 and cohosted the nationally televised segment of the Orange Bowl Parade for nine years. She served as the TV spokesperson for Florida orange juice for nine years and for Coca-Cola for seven years.
Later in life, she led Anita Bryant Ministries International, an organization encouraging others to live with faith and purpose. Such dedication extended to her family. She was a loving mother to her four children — Bobby, Gloria, Billy and Barbara — and a devoted grandmother to her seven grandchildren. She loved to write Bible songs and teach them to her grandchildren when they were small. In subsequent years, Bryant continued to write and sing about God’s love whenever and wherever she could.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie; her parents, Lenora and Warren; her stepfather, George; her sister, Sandra; and her half-brother, Sonny. She left behind her four children, two stepdaughters and seven grandchildren and their spouses, who will cherish her legacy of faith and love. Bryant also left behind a beloved extended family, as well as her church family, friends and neighbors, who gave of themselves to her in many ways.
–Alan Goforth
