Yvonne Bryant

Yvonne Bryant, 87, of Columbia, passed away Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Candlelight Lodge after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. Yvonne was born January 25, 1931, to Shady and Elsie Charlton Harmon in Boone County, Missouri. Yvonne graduated from David H. Hickman High School in 1950. She enjoyed roller-skating at Empire Roller Rink as a young woman. When a young Marvin Bryant met Yvonne, he learned to roller-skate so he could take her out on their first date. That first date turned into 66 wonderful years of marriage. She and Marvin were married in Columbia in 1952. They resided in Fulton, where their son and daughter were born. In 1961, they moved to Columbia and made their life with family and friends. Yvonne was a stay-at-home mom and also babysat other children in her home for several years. Yvonne entered back into the workforce after her children began school. She started working for the University of Missouri as a secretary; after that she worked as a floral designer at Lari's Florist, then moved on to MSHSAA where she retired in 1995. After Yvonne's retirement, she and Marvin were able to spend time traveling in their motor home. They loved attending antique steam and gas engine shows through the Old Threshers and Engines Club, in which they belonged, making many good friends with this common bond. They were also fortunate to take their three grandchildren on several memorable trips in the motor home. Yvonne re-entered the workforce part-time, working at K-Mart in Columbia until it closed. Her last job was with Rock Bridge High School, where she made lots of new young friends. Her life-long passion of roller-skating made for some wonderful memories for the rest of her family, who all joined in on the fun. Yvonne was a gifted artist, cook, gardener, floral designer, and a great listener. She enjoyed sewing and embroidery, and collecting antiques. She taught herself to do woodcarving as a hobby. Yvonne was diagnosed in 2011 with Alzheimer's disease. Marvin was able to be her primary caregiver at their home up until his death last November. She is survived by her children, Ken (Barbara) Bryant and Diane Begemann of Columbia; grandchildren, Eric Begemann and Kate (Austin) Buse-Oberto of Columbia and Nicole (Tony) Richerson of Boonville; great-grandchildren Rhiannon Taylor Buse-Oberto and Roland Anthony Richerson. She is also survived by her siblings, Jay (Anna Sue) Harmon, Dorothy McBride, Shirley (Billy) Smith, Larry (Judy) Harmon and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Marvin, her parents and by her siblings Bonnie Poe, Alma Holton and Leonard Harmon. A visitation will be held Friday, June 15, at 2 p.m. at the Millersburg Christian Church, 4527 State Road J. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. at the church. A private burial will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements are under the direction of PARKER-MILLARD Funeral Service and Crematory, 12 East Ash Street; Columbia, MO 65203. (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.parkermillard.com