Anita Bryant Dry, former Miss Oklahoma, three-time Grammy-nominated singer, Christian author, and recipient of several prestigious awards including the USO Silver Medallion for Service and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Leadership Gold Medallion, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma. She was 84, surrounded by her family and friends.
Born on March 25, 1940, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, to Lenora (Berry) Bryant and Warren Bryant, Anita grew up in a loving family with strong Christian values that guided her throughout her life. Her love for music and performance emerged early on, leading her to a career that started with her own TV show at age 12. At 18, she was crowned Miss Oklahoma. Anita also made guest appearances on popular shows like Arthur Godfrey’s CBS programs and Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand,” and had hit songs like “Till There Was You,” “Paper Roses,” “In My Little Corner of the World,” and “Wonderland by Night.”
For seven years, Anita Bryant performed with Bob Hope’s holiday tours for U.S. troops stationed overseas. Bob Hope affectionately called her the troupe’s “den mother” because she was always looking out for others. Anita had the honor of singing at the White House for President Lyndon B. Johnson and also performed at his graveside service. In 1968, she sang at both the Republican and Democratic national conventions. She was particularly known for her powerful rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Anita also brought her talents to lighter entertainment, performing at the Super Bowl in 1971 and cohosting the nationally televised Orange Bowl Parade for nine years. She was the TV spokesperson for Florida orange juice for nine years and for Coca-Cola for seven years.
Later in life, Anita Bryant founded Anita Bryant Ministries International, an organization focused on encouraging others to live with faith and purpose. She was deeply dedicated to her family as well, being a loving mother to her four children—Bobby, Gloria, Billy, and Barbara—and a devoted grandmother to her seven grandchildren. Anita enjoyed writing Bible songs and would teach them to her grandchildren when they were young. In the years that followed, she continued to write and sing about God’s love whenever and wherever she could. For more about her life, her story is shared in detail on the Anita Bryant Ministries International website.
Anita 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 is survived by her four children, two stepdaughters, and seven grandchildren and their spouses, all of whom will cherish her legacy of faith and love. Anita also leaves behind a beloved extended family, as well as her church family, friends, and neighbors, who supported her in many ways.
May Anita’s memory and her strong faith in eternal life through Christ bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.