Cora Lee Bryan was the eldest daughter of nine children. “Corky” as she was called, was born at home in Colton, Oklahoma, into a loving stable family. The family moved many times around the state, as her father found work. To pad the school roll, she started at Primrose School at the age of four. She attended several schools but spent her high school years at Merritt High School. Corky loved basketball and played during those high school years. She ran track and participated in the high school plays. Her father died when she was thirteen, and she and her older siblings worked in the fields alongside their mother pulling cotton to help support the family. Later, when her mother took a waitress job, Cora was responsible for the younger siblings, getting them ready for school and fixing their hair.

After graduation from high school, she waitressed for a short time in western Oklahoma before moving to Henryetta. Here, Corky met Tommy Bryan at Myer’s Cafe[on Third & Main] when he came into the cafe. She described him as cute and outgoing. They were later engaged and married in Van Buren, Arkansas on December 8, 1952. They were blessed with three children Tommy Junior, Bobby and Vicki.

Cora went back to work at The Holiday Inn when Vicki went to school. Then for a time she worked at Fountain View nursing home as an aide. When she heard of an opening at the old Henryetta Hospital, she applied and was hired. Her favorite part of the job was working in the nursery caring for the new babies. When the new hospital was built, she moved to their Home Health unit. Corky traveled all over the county bringing health and wellness support to those in need. Then, she transitioned to private care for years after her retirement from the hospital. Even though she was working as her kids were growing up, the Bryan house and her kitchen were always open. The pool room was a gathering place for the boys’ and Vicki’s friends. The music was often too loud too late. But it was a place for her children and their friends to always gather and make memories.

Corky loved to read especially historical fiction and mysteries. She traded books often. She was an excellent seamstress and made clothes for herself and Vicki. She and her sisters and sisters-in-law quilted. Those who received them as gifts were so blessed. Grandma was great cook and with the women of the Church of Christ cooked a ,once a week, meal for members for years. She also devoted hours to the Church of Christ Food Bank and Book Program. Travel was another hobby which she enjoyed with her siblings and their spouses.

Corky is survived by Daughter Vicki DeTurk and husband John of the home, Sons: Tommy Bryan Jr. and wife Barbara of Henryetta; Bobby Bryan and wife DeAuna of Henryetta; Grandchildren: T.C. Bryan and wife Ashley of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Robert Bryan and wife Reagan of Edmond, Oklahoma, Katie Downing of Leander, Texas, Brittany Sheneman and husband Gallen of Henryetta,Oklahoma, Brandi Campbell and husband Brad of Henryetta, Oklahoma, Jay DeTurk and wife Angela of Henryetta, Oklahoma, Bryan DeTurk and wife Tiria of Weleetka, Oklahoma, Brittany Graves of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Coalton Campbell of Okmulgee. Oklahoma; Great Grandchildren: Brooks, Dylan, Lucas, Quaid, Aidan, Austin, Gavin, Breauna, Brynlee, Jaylan, Jaycee, Dorissa, Ryley and Great-Great Granddaughter Julien; Siblings: Allen Elliott and wife Fay of Harrah, Oklahoma, Lester Gifford and wife Christine of Henryetta,Oklahoma, Frieda Baker of Florida, Jan Berryhill of Henryetta, Oklahoma and Sister-in-law Wanda Elliott of OKC, Oklahoma.

Viewing and Visitation are scheduled for 3pm-8pm, Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 at Integrity Funeral Service.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 2pm, Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 at Henryetta Church of Christ, 413 W. Broadway, Henryetta, Oklahoma with Rex Walcher officiating. Interment following services at Westlawn Cemetery, Henryetta, Oklahoma.