Anita Bryant Dry—former Miss Oklahoma, three-time Grammy-nominated singer, Christian author, recipient of the USO Silver Medallion for Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars Leadership Gold Medallion, and 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 on 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 performance blossomed early, leading her to a career that included her own TV show at the age of 12, her crowning as Miss Oklahoma at the age of 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.”
For seven consecutive years, Anita performed with Bob Hope’s holiday tours for U.S. troops abroad. Hope dubbed her his troupe’s “den mother” because of her propensity for taking care of 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 the Democratic national conventions. She was known especially for her rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
On the lighter entertainment side, Anita 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. Anita 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 Anita continued to write and sing about God’s love whenever and wherever she could. (Her story can be found in more depth at 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 left behind 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 gave of themselves to her in many ways.
May Anita’s memory and her faith in eternal life through Christ comfort all who embraced her.
