The family of Shirley Ann Bryant, 78, of Chickasha, formerly of Jackson, Tennessee, will hold a celebration of her life.

Shirley Ann (Phelps) Bryant was born January 2, 1948, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, the daughter of Frank Dewitt Huggins and Irene Elizabeth (Mask) Huggins. When she was around 5 years-old, her stepfather Kenneth Franklin Phelps adopted her, and she was raised by Mom and Dad with eight siblings. She passed from this life on November 4, 2026, in Chickasha, Oklahoma.

Shirley grew up in Chickasha and graduated from Chickasha High School. She then attended USAO. After earning her teaching degree, she moved to California, where she was a teacher for 35 years. She taught 2nd grade, English, but her favorite was Special Education.

On December 27, 1971, she married Billy Dean Bryant in Fresno, California, where they lived until they retired then they moved to Billy’s hometown of Jackson, Tennessee. They enjoyed 53 wonderful years together.

Billy and Shirley shared a passion for travel, exploring various beautiful locations together, including Hawaii, New York City, and Washington D.C. Their adventures were filled with love and laughter, enhancing their bond and creating countless cherished memories.

After Billy’s passing, Shirley moved back to Chickasha to be closer to her siblings. She joined OHCE and enjoyed the volunteer work immensely. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her father Kenneth Phelps; mother Irene Phelps; son James Harper McCaughtry III; husband Billy Dean Bryant; brother Guy D. Huggins, Sr.; sisters Paula Jean Huggins, Helen Jo Smith, Marian Dale Grooms, Linda Lavelle Tretter and Sharon Kay Huggins.

Loved ones left to cherish her memory are her siblings Seba Carol Snell of Chickasha, David Allen Phelps of Chickasha and Kathy Sue Diehl and her spouse, Jon of Chickasha; step-daughter Shelli Hillier of Ft. Huron, Michigan; many nieces and nephews; and other extended family and friends.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.