Celebration of Life Services

For

D’Orsay Bryant, Jr.

Memorial

Hall’s Celebration Center

9348 Scenic Highway

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Thursday, March 12, 2026

11:00 am

Medical Trailblazer, Civil Rights Leader, Health Advocate, Raconteur, Toastmaster, Avid

Golfer, Poker Maven, Gourmet Cook, Crossword Master, Prolific Reader and above all,

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Uncle, Brother-of-the Heart and Exceptional Friend

On February 20, 2026, the full and transformational life of D’Orsay Deavenport Bryant Jr., MD ebbed to a close, due to medical complications following surgery. The sense of loss is immeasurable, as the impact of what he meant to so many – personally, professionally and as a change agent in this community – looms large following his transition. His brilliant mind and profound compassion, coupled with his signature wry humor and perpetual twinkle, live on in the memories of all who knew him.

Born in Washington, DC on September 9, 1932, Dr. Bryant was the only child of Cecil Barbara McIntosh and D’Orsay D. Bryant Sr. Instilled with a lifelong respect for education, he attended historic Dunbar High School in Washington, DC and then Howard University, where he was President of the Freshman Class, joined the Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and was named to the Dean’s List and honor societies, graduating in 1954. During his time at Howard, he met Elayne Butler of Baton Rouge, LA, whom he later married in 1956. He attended

Howard University College of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, graduating in 1958. He completed his internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Freedmen’s and DC General Hospitals. Dr. Bryant served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, 1963-65.

After relocating to Baton Rouge with his wife, as the first black board-certified obstetrician gynecologist in the region for ten years, he had a flourishing practice for more than 6 decades. Dr. Bryant took great pride in being credentialed at the highest level of his area of specialization. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Professionally, he taught at LSU College of Medicine and held leadership roles in the LA State Health Coordinating Council, the East Baton Rouge Parish Medical Association, the LA State Medical Association and the LA State Medical Care Advisory Committee.

Dr. Bryant was a deeply engaged community leader, serving as president of the NAACP from 1966-80, during a time of tension related to integrating the public schools. In that role, he signed on as a plaintiff-intervenor in one of the last East Baton Rouge Parish desegregation suits. He was also a member of numerous community-based health initiatives, including the NAACP National Health Committee, the Baton Rouge Cancer Society and the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation.

His social and civic affiliations included Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity,

(Alpha Xi Boule); East Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce; and Masonic: East End Lodge 209. He earned numerous civic awards and citations for his activities in civil rights and youth-related activities.

After the passing of his wife in 2005, Dr. Bryant began a new chapter with his marriage to Kathy Weaver. After a brief stint at CareSouth, a community-based health center, he retired and was finally able to enjoy many of the activities his busy practice had long postponed, including travel to far flung locations. During his ninth decade, Dr. Bryant’s health declined, but not his indomitable spirit. His quick wit continued to sparkle.

Dr. Bryant was predeceased by his parents; his late wife, Elayne Butler Bryant; sisters-in-law, V. Jean Butler and Shirley Butler Pierce; nephew, Valerian E. Butler-Smith II; and numerous maternal and paternal relatives. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Weaver Bryant; his children: Dr. D’Orsay D. Bryant III (Karen), El Dorado, AR; Sharon Bryant Zimmerman (James),

Washington, DC; Sherri Bryant-Moore, College Park, MD; Leighton Butler Bryant (Sharri

Lynn), Baton Rouge; Damon Allen Bryant, Pineville, LA; Dorian Lamar Matthews, Houston, TX; Drexel LaSalle Matthews, Houston, TX; D’Orci DeShay Bryant, Baton Rouge; and stepsons: Aaron Mitchell Weaver, Pittsburgh, PA and Neil Clifton Weaver, Henderson, NV.

His grandchildren: D’Orsay Deavenport Bryant IV and Carter Ashton Fabre Bryant (Haley), El

Dorado, AR; Claire Estelle Moore, Hyattsville, MD; Kristin Dollison Moore, Laurel, MD; Olivia

Alexis Zimmerman and Nicolas Jordan Zimmerman, Washington, DC; Leia Briana Bryant, Baton Rouge; Davin Bryant and Brenden Bryant, Baker, LA; and Devereaux London Matthews, Houston, TX. He had one great-grandchild, Josiah Moore of Laurel, MD.

He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Hedi M. Butler, Baton Rouge; Nina Wells, (Ted Wells), Livingston, NJ; Vicki Pendleton, North Wales, PA; Lauren Smith, (James Boll), Montclair, NJ; brothers-in-law: Eric Mitchell, (Carmen), Livermore Falls, ME; and Peter Mitchell (Pat), Tarpon Springs, FL; nieces: Lynn Whitfield, Atlanta, GA; Kimberleigh Butler-Smith (goddaughter) and Shawne Langston Emery, Baton Rouge; Donna Pierce Lazarchik, Antioch, CA; and nephews: Duane D. Pierce, Citrus Heights, CA and Clifton F. Nelson III, Baton Rouge.

Services will be held on March 12, 11:00 AM, at Hall Davis & Sons Funeral Service, 9348 Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge, LA. The family will be available for visitation at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, Dr. Bryant’s family gratefully requests that you consider a donation in his name to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, www.naacpldf.org.