Anita Bryant Dry – former Miss Oklahoma, three-time Grammy nominated singer, Christian author, recipient of the USO Silver Medallion for Service, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Leadership Gold Medallion and the Al Jolson Gold Medallion – died at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma, on Monday, December 16, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends. She was 84 years old.

Born March 25, 1940, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, to Lenora (Berry) Bryant and Warren Bryant, Anita spent her early years surrounded by the love of her family and the Christian faith that would guide her throughout her life. Her passion for music and performing blossomed early and led her to a career that included her own TV show at age 12, being crowned Miss Oklahoma at age 18, guest appearances on Arthur Godfrey’s CBS programs and on Dick Clark’s “American” included “Bandstand” and the chart hits “Till There Was You,” “Paper Roses,” “In My Little Corner of the World” and “Wonderland by Night.”

For seven consecutive years, Anita performed with Bob Hope on holiday tours for U.S. troops overseas. Hope called her the “den mother” of his troop because of her tendency to care for others. She sang at the White House for President Lyndon B. Johnson and at his graveside service. In 1968, Anita sang at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. She became best known for her interpretation of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic”.

On the lighter entertainment side, Anita also sang at the Super Bowl in 1971 and co-hosted the nationally televised portion of the Orange Bowl Parade for nine years. She was a television anchor for Florida Orange Juice for nine years and for Coca-Cola for seven years.

She later led Anita Bryant Ministries International, an organization that encourages others to live with faith and purpose. This devotion extended to her family as well. Anita was a loving mother to her four children – Bobby, Gloria, Billy and Barbara – and a devoted grandmother to her seven grandchildren. She loved writing Bible songs and teaching them to her grandchildren when they were young. In the years that followed, Anita continued to write and sing about the love of God whenever and wherever she could. (For more detailed information about her story, visit 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, who will cherish her legacy of faith and love. Anita also left behind a beloved extended family – as well as her church family, friends and neighbors – who were devoted to her in many ways.

May Anita’s memory and her faith in eternal life through Christ comfort all who embraced her.