Lijuana Mozelle Runyon Bryant

With deep sadness, but with hearts full of hope, we announce the passing of our beloved Lijuana Mozelle Runyon Bryant, who went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 20, 2025, after a courageous and long-fought battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was 89.

Lijuana was born on September 4, 1936, in Putnam, Texas. She married Sam Bryant on October 12, 1956, in Wickett, Texas. She spent 75 blessed years in Monahans, Texas, before moving to Idabel, Oklahoma, where she lived for the last five years. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a devoted member of the Third and Dwight Church of Christ in Monahans and, more recently, the Bypass Church of Christ in Idabel. Her faithfulness to God and her church family was evident in her service, particularly in teaching children’s Bible classes.

Lijuana's career was spent serving the Monahans/Wickett/Pyote School District as a payroll clerk for 32 years, a role she retired from with honor. However, her greatest joy came from being a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening, playing Bridge, and using her incredible talent for home decorating, often turning her home into a warm and welcoming space for all who visited.

Lijuana was preceded in death by her parents, Vinson and Lovie Runyon; her beloved husband, Sam Bryant; her brother, Donald Ray Runyon; and her sister, Betty Sue Green. She now rests in the loving arms of her Savior, reunited with those she cherished.

She is survived by three sisters, Estalene Bates of The Woodlands, Texas; Janice Matthews and husband Hollis of Kennedale, Texas; and Carolyn Thurston of Dallas, Texas. Her legacy also lives on through her children: son and daughter-in-law Alan and Cindy Bryant of Idabel, Oklahoma, and daughter Kathy Jeffers of San Antonio, Texas. She leaves behind seven grandchildren who will carry forward her love and faith: Douglas Jeffers of Austin, Gregory Jeffers and wife Amanda of Leander, Cody Bryant and wife Anna of Pasadena, Amy Willis of San Antonio, Allison Bryant of Monahans, Callie Threadgill and husband Randall of Idabel, and Alyssa Bryant of Idabel. Her legacy is further blessed with nine great-grandchildren and thirteen nieces and nephews.

Lijuana’s family is comforted by the knowledge that she is now in the presence of her Heavenly Father, where there is no more pain or sorrow. Her love and faith will continue to guide us until we are reunited with her one day in eternity.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Third and Dwight Church of Christ in Monahans, Texas. She will be buried beside her husband at Monahans Memorial Cemetery. We invite all who loved Lijuana to join us as we celebrate her life and faith, giving thanks for the gift she was to all of us.

Pallbearers are as follows: Bryan Kramer, Boyd Green, Scott Green, Eric Matthews, Jon Caron, and Josh Huse. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation toward Alzheimer’s research in honor of Lijuana Bryant at OMRF, Attn: Gift Management, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.