Mary Lou (Thurman) Bryan

Mary Lou Thurman Bryan, daughter of Louie  Herbert Thurman and Ellen Hada Thurman, Born September 24, 1937, at Alva, Oklahoma. Died Friday, March 9, 2018  at Ponca City Nursing & Rehab under the care of NCO Hospice in Ponca City. Mary Lou graduated from Alva High School,  received the B.S. degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, and   the M.S. degree in mathematics from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.   She taught mathematics at Pratt Community College in Pratt, Kansas,  NWOSU, OSU, the University of Denver, and the Littleton, Colorado, secondary schools. Married David Robert Bryan June 29, 1963, at First Christian Church in Alva, OK.   Children:  Kenneth David Bryan and Kathryn Janette Bryan. At a mature age, she returned to school, received the M.A. degree in Christian Education from Phillips Seminary in Tulsa, and became a commissioned minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).    She served as pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Red Rock, OK, from 1998 to 2005, and Director of Christian Education at Woodlands Christian Church in Ponca City,  2006 to 2010.  She was one of the founders in 1998 of the Women in Ministry group, and one  of the original members of the Northwest Area Disciples Ministers group, in which she participated as long as health permitted.   She was an accomplished seamstress, having fashioned family clothing, including her wedding dress, her daughter’s prom dresses and many costumes.  She enjoyed singing and playing piano.  She was a generous donor to Northwestern Oklahoma State University, receiving the Capstone award in 2016 for contributions totaling $25,000 or more.   Preceded in death by her parents.  Survived by her husband, David, of the home, one daughter Katie Bryan and partner Sobi Gunatilleke of Mission Viejo, CA,  one son Ken Bryan and wife Beth of Edmond,  two grandchildren, Tess Bryan and Baby Boy Gunatilleke, expected in June,  one brother, Wes Thurman, of Perkins, OK. Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the First Christian Church. Memorial gifts directly to First Christian Church in Ponca City or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma. Remembrances may be shared online at www.stittsworthfuneralservices.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Lou (Thurman) Bryan, please visit our floral store.