Clara Bryant

Today we gather with heavy hearts, but also with deep gratitude, to remember and celebrate the life of Clara Bryant. Clara was born on April 20, 1936, to the late Nannie and Pless Wiley. From the very beginning, Clara’s life was rooted in family, strength, and the kind of love that lasts for generations.

Clara was preceded in death by those she loved dearly—her parents, Pless and Nannie Wiley, her husband Dorman “Pinky” Bryant, her sister Betty, and her son David. Though their absence has been deeply felt, we take comfort in knowing they are reunited again, and that Clara’s journey continues in peace.

One of the most beautiful parts of Clara’s life was the love she shared with her husband, Dorman “Pinky” Bryant. Their love story began in the summer of 1955, and it grew from faith, devotion, and a bond that was built to last. Clara followed Pinky through his church ministries, standing by his side with loyalty and love, supporting the calling on his life and sharing in the journey with him.

That love and commitment led to marriage on February 11, 1956—a day made even more special as it was witnessed by Clara’s sisters Linda and Betty along with her husband Jimmy. Their marriage became a foundation of family, faith, and perseverance, and it remains a lasting part of Clara’s legacy.

Clara leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and will carry her memory forward with pride and love. She is survived by her sister Linda, and her son Stephen, along with Stephen’s wife Anna. Clara was also blessed with grandchildren who brought her so much joy: Michael and his wife Millie, Stephen, Rachael and her husband Seth, Aaron, and Lace’e and her husband Cody.

And as the years passed, Clara’s legacy only grew richer through her great-grandchildren: Morgan, Cole, Collin, Emma, Cavin, Eli, Thane, Libe, Jaxen, Veil, and Nikita (NJ) who shared the same birthday (April 20) with her. Each of them is a living reminder of the life Clara built, the love she gave, and the family roots she helped strengthen.

Clara’s life was not only measured by years, but by the people she touched, the family she raised, and the memories she leaves behind. She was someone whose presence mattered—steady, meaningful, and full of heart. The kind of person you could depend on. The kind of person who may not have always needed many words, but whose love and care were shown through actions, loyalty, kindness, and simply being there.

And today, the family would also like to offer a special thank you to the Greystone Nursing and Rehab staff, who have been Clara’s extended family since 2020. Your compassion, patience, and care meant more than words can express. Thank you for loving her, supporting her, and helping to bring comfort and dignity to her days. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Today, as we say goodbye, we also say thank you for the love Clara gave, for the sacrifices she made, the example she set, and for the family legacy that will continue through every child, grandchild and great great-grandchild, who will carry her spirit forward.

Though we mourn, we also remember that love does not end—it lives on in stories, in laughter, in traditions, and in the hearts of those who knew her best.

Rest in peace, Mom. You were loved deeply, you will be missed greatly, and you will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sunday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, Arkansas. Funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 2, 2026, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Lebanon Cemetery.

Online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.