Frances Marlene (Byrd) Bryan

Frances Marlene Byrd Bryan was born May 11, 1936 to Syble Elizabeth (Nelson) Byrd Harper and Arther Eugene Byrd in Muskogee, OK; she departed this life on June 29, 2021. She is predeceased by her beloved grandmother Sarah Frances (Sally) Johnson of Fort Gibson, her parents, brother Donald Eugene Byrd of West Memphis, AR, sister Margie Ann Byrd (O’Del) Arnett of Fort Gibson, sister Kathrine I. Harper Fulmer of Cabot, AR, brother Paul Neal Harper of Oklahoma City. She is survived by husband William W. (Walt) Bryan of the home, son William W. (Bill) Bryan III and wife Susan of Warrenton, VA, grandchildren, Nathan Avery Bryan and wife Laura of Falls Church, VA, Cailtlin Marie Bryan Kirby and husband Adam of Arlington, VA, Lauren Alane Bryan of San Diego, CA, and Mallory Faith Bryan of Warrenton, VA; brothers Charles Harper of Vilonia, AR, Victor Harper of Newton, KS, nieces and nephews Sandra O’Dell Imel, Michael O’Dell, and Christie Leann Arnett Edwards of Muskogee. From her childhood through early teens, Marlene was lovingly nurtured by her beloved grandmother, Sarah Frances Johnson. Upon graduation from West Memphis High School, she relocated to Houston, TX, where she worked as a waitress while attending Massey Business College. She wed Walt on February 1, 1955 in Houston, TX, where she was employed as a waitress and attended Massey Business College while Walt was attending Texas A&M. They established their first home in College Station and Bryan, TX, in August 1955, where she was employed as secretary to the Pastor, First Methodist Church of Bryan, TX, to help finance Walt’s final three years’ college studies. They then relocated to Waxahachie, TX, where she gave birth to their son, Bill, on February 6, 1959. From February 1959 until March 1989, she devotedly followed the relocations and resettlements of Walt’s military, uprooting and reestablishing their household in ten different locations over 30 years. They relocated to Cookson, OK, in June, 2001. Marlene was a selfless, loving, nurturing, caring, industrious, “best friend,” loving and faithful wife, and nurturing mother for her entire adult life! She also became father as well as mother, chief executive officer, head of household, chief financial officer, and chief logistics officer during Walt’s frequent and lengthy mission absences and numerous Vietnam deployments. She was a meticulous homemaker and gourmet chef! She was active in numerous Methodist churches performing a range of committee and volunteer positions. She was also in Officers’ Wives Clubs and in charity works at numerous Air Force Base Thrift Shops and the Assistance League of Redlands, CA. She was an avid and skilled bridge player, accumulating Masters’ points before departing Redlands. Marlene daily followed Jesus’ Command in Matthew 22:37-39: “... ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” The family of Frances Marlene Bryan has entrusted her care, services and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson, OK. Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com In lieu of flowers, the family has requested to please make donations to the MDS Foundation - 4573 South Broad Street, Suite 150 - Yardville, N.J. 08620 - or call 1-800-637-0839 or visit their website mds-foundation.org/contact-us/

Frances Marlene (Byrd) Bryan

May 11, 1936 - June 29, 2021