Donna Elizabeth Emerson Bryant

Donna Elizabeth Emerson Bryant, 74, of Carlsbad, NM passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, in El Paso, TX. Donna was born on October 20, 1949, in Albuquerque, NM to Edward and Dorothy Emerson.

Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service is pending at this time. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

From a young age, Donna learned to be a strong and resilient person. Having grown up in the foster care system, she arrived in Carlsbad via a Greyhound bus to begin her life here. She had a love for writing, and by the age of 12, she had her first poem published. Donna graduated from the Carlsbad High School in 1967 and was married to Raymond Bryant in June of 1967. She later got married to Claus Juers in 1977, and they moved to New York for a short time. Over the years, she worked as a server at multiple restaurants. While in Carlsbad, in the late 1980’s she worked as a gardener at the Cielo Vista Apartments. She worked at Wal Mart for 10 years starting in the 90’s, were she started many lifelong friendships. Donna was known to be one of the kindest people, who would go out of her way to help others. She also enjoyed traveling, taking care of her animals, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She will be dearly missed and never forgotten.  

Donna was preceded in death by her father, Edward Dee Emerson; mother, Dorothy Bell (Phillips) Emerson; stillborn daughter on January 16, 1978; three grandsons: Michael Bryant, Caleb Stockwell, and Justin Lackey; and ex-husband, Raymond Bryant.

Donna is survived by her four children: Ricky Bryant of Carlsbad, NM; David Bryant and wife, Rhonda of Carlsbad, NM; Shelly Bryant Lackey and husband, Jason of Carlsbad, NM; and Desi Bohner and husband, Robert of Carlsbad, NM; eight grandchildren: Seth Bryant, Johnnie Bryant, Chance Stockwell, Jamie Bryant, Amy Lackey, Austin Lackey, Jeremy Lackey, and Michelle Bohner; seven great grandchildren; sister, Linda Cornett and husband, Gary of Carlsbad, NM; and numerous extended family and friends.

Condolences may be expressed online at dentonwood.com