Donna Bryant

Donna was a graduate of Homewood High School and the University of Alabama. She devoted 30 years of her life to teaching kindergarten in Homewood. Teaching was more than a career to Donna; she genuinely loved children and treasured the students and families who became part of her life throughout the years. She met her best friend, Brenda Davis at Edgewood Elementary, with whom she would stay lifelong friends. That relationship quickly merged two families into one.

Above all else, Donna loved her family. She was a devoted mother, daughter, and grandmother, affectionately known as “Bee” to her grandchildren. Some of her greatest happiness came from simply being with them: the sleepovers at Bee’s house, swimming, school activities, laughter, hugs, making slime, making messes, and the everyday moments that became treasured memories.

Donna’s Christian faith was an important part of her life. She believed deeply in prayer, God’s grace, and His ability to bring hope and purpose even through life’s most difficult seasons. She loved deeply, forgave generously, laughed often, and never stopped praying for the people she loved.

Donna also had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for turning everyday life into a story. She enjoyed reading, spending time with family and friends, watching General Hospital, and cheering enthusiastically for her beloved Alabama Crimson Tide. Anyone who knew Donna knew that there was rarely an inappropriate time to say, “Roll Tide!”

Donna is survived by her father, Neil Blankenship; her sons, Paul Bryant and Christopher Luke Bryant; and her beloved grandchildren, Tanner Calma, Slade Bryant, Maddie Bryant, Abby Wallace, Izzy Bryant, and John Davis Bryant.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Arlene Blankenship; her brother, Barry Blankenship; and her nephew, Bear Blankenship.

Donna will be remembered for her faith, her humor, her years devoted to children, and most of all for the tremendous love she had for her family, especially her grandchildren. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love, laughter, lessons, and memories she gave so freely will remain with those who loved her.

Memorial services will be held at Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood, AL, Saturday, September 12th from 1:00-4:00 pm. There will be an hour of visitation, then anyone who would like to say a few words will be welcome to do so.

In true Bee fashion, there is only one appropriate way to end: Roll Tide