Donna Jean (Bryant) Smith

DONNA JEAN (BRYANT) SMITH, passed from this life to the other side on Monday the 21st day of April, 2014. She was born to Dewey Edmond Bryant and Mildred Alvern Pifer, Bryant, on the 14th of February 1943. This Valentine girl was very special. Born with unique talents she could talk with a governor, address a large group, or teach a primary children's class in Sunday school. Had a marvelous ability to energize an organization or cook a meal for a thousand. She was a valiant church worker having served in many leadership callings within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Known for her care and giving, she touched many lives through her private and professional career. Given an early responsibility at home and in school her tasks were not for the fainthearted. Born to caring parents, who intended for their family to excel, provided the necessary discipline and standard which, was expected. As one of six siblings the assignments were given and carried out by a regimen of firm, but loving considerations. Through this example, Donna achieved success in academics in High School, College, and in her profession. Graduating from Fuller High School in 1960 and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1979. She was married in 1961 and children quickly followed and though she would have preferred to stay home, a work career was necessary. While working and rearing a family she arranged to attend college and graduated with a degree in education. Born into a Masonic family she had the desire to follow in her mother's footsteps and joined the Levy Chapter, Order of Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron in 1971. Professionally, she worked and served in a national organization committed to training and excellence in the world of business. Through this effort she was chosen to act as an Executive Officer and became a member of the Arkansas Society Of Association Executives. She was also a Trade Show Consultant, and every two years, she ran the largest Trade Expo of its type in the South. When she retired from business she became the Activities Director at the Willow House and served as the tour coordinator and Travel Host for the Hays Center in North Little Rock. As a volunteer she taught piano at the Hays Center, and worked in the Crafts shop at the Willow House. After retiring she and her husband served their church on a Mission in Cove Fort, Utah. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Kenneth; daughter, Sandra Longhurst (Kelly); son, Brian (Beth); son, David (Holly); and grandchildren, Stephen Smith, Jamie Longhurst, Scott Longhurst, Brannon Smith, Hayden Smith, Mindy Longhurst, Megan Longhurst, Tyler Smith, Logan Smith, and Dawson Smith; brothers, Leon Bryant, Wayne Bryant, and Stanley Bryant of Little Rock, and Clifton Bryant, of Tull, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Betty Ann Teer. Family viewing will be Tuesday, April 29, 2014, 6-8 p.m. at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Ark. Funeral service will be the next morning at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, Otter Creek, 13901 Quail Run Drive, Little Rock, Ark., with Bishop Doug Smith, and Stake President Carlton Wing officiating. Burial will follow at Ivy Chapel Cemetery, Ivy Chapel Road, Little Rock, Ark. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.