Stephanie Pearson O’Bryant passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband and children near her home in Sandy, Utah, on November 29, 2023, after a three-year, hard-fought, and valiant battle with cancer. She never gave up and she never complained, though she certainly had a right to do so. She loved her doctors who came to visit her in the hospital just before she passed, and she loved the many Nurses who cared for her so tenderly at Utah Cancer Center and in the hospitals. She was fighting right until the very end, and we loved her unyielding optimism throughout it all.
Stephanie was born on April 3, 1966, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Milo (Lon) Pearson and Janet Stepan Pearson. She was the second of five children and was raised with her three brothers and one sister in Rolla, Missouri, where she graduated from high school in 1984.
Stephanie went to Brigham Young University where she majored in Art History, which would become an important asset to her. Stephanie married David Walter O’Bryant in Salt Lake City, Utah, on May 27, 1988, when their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. She chose that date because it was the anniversary of her beloved Grandma and Grandpa Stepan’s wedding. Stephanie and David were blessed with two daughters and one son.
Stephanie was an amazing mother and always believed that her greatest legacy was her children. As soon as David finished graduate school, she looked at him with a twinkle in her eye and told him that she hoped he liked his job because she was going to be a full-time mother. Stephanie was a devoted mother who encouraged her children to explore their own interests while fostering a love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a love for our country.
As the children grew, Stephanie found ways to use her other talents while teaching and raising her children. Her eldest daughter enjoyed dancing and together they found a local ballet company where her daughter could dance, and Stephanie began volunteering to help with the ballet costumes. Stephanie was already a talented seamstress, but she blossomed as she learned costume design and the unique world of ballet tutus. Her Art History background really shone through as she was unyielding in her insistence on designing and crafting Period-appropriate ballet costumes. Stephanie was a self-taught woman who quickly picked up the secrets of tutu making until she became proficient at designing and creating these uniquely difficult costumes.
Stephanie worked many long hours volunteering for Mountain West Ballet, and her children came to enjoy spending time around her sewing machines talking about their days at school as she worked on costumes for The Nutcracker and an ever-changing Spring production. Stephanie loved every aspect of costume design and spent many evenings with her family keeping herself busy on the family room couch learning the intricacies of headpieces and hats. Stephanie lived an exemplary life of service to others at home, at Church, and at the Ballet.
Stephanie was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many Church callings. She loved serving children and was happiest when she could teach in the Nursery and the youngest children in the Church.
Stephanie is survived by her husband, David, and three children: Kaitlyn O’Bryant Weser (Kai) in San Tan Valley, Arizona, Sean Duncan O’Bryant (Melinda) in New Bern, North Carolina, and Emma Rose O’Bryant in Sandy, Utah. She is also survived by 3 beautiful grandchildren, Alina and Daxton Weser, and Bjorn O’Bryant.
A visitation will be held for family and friends on Thursday, December 7, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Crescent View Ward building, 10945 South 1700 East, Sandy, Utah 84092. A visitation will also be held on Friday, December 8, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. at the Crescent View Ward Chapel. Interment will follow the funeral at 12:30 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah.
To watch a zoom recording of the funeral service, please click on the tab above that says "Watch Service" or follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/QtVSfQnBFArvzmfexmZQiEWhwhCA7S5MZsboC4UMMybWlXxI6dLFD7qV2cTRuQwx.pBFoJUunNkcg3NBz?startTime=1702056875000
To watch a zoom recording of the graveside dedication, please follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/5acH8gD0CbINqs5Tfgm3TPaoaT8NHZ2GFX78zWYn5FndrD8AqCl_aFyfcApvg24D.TD5gDMJDgH5H8hHS?startTime=1702064676000
Our family continues to pray with you in these days ahead ♥️.
Stephanie and Russ were two of my closest friends when we were kids. The Talberts and Pearsons spent many hours at each other's homes. Our dad's served in the Rolla Ward bishopric together. So many memories. And then we lost touch when my family moved to Minnesota. I'm saddened by the loss of a childhood friend. My deepest sympathy and prayers for your family.
Our family is so heartbroken 💔 for your whole family.
Stephanie was so beautiful and I remember with such fondness of working with her in our primary presidency
She brought soft sweetness and love to all the primary children.
We understand the pain of your great loss
Praying for your family
The Jolley’s 🤍
Stephanie and I met the first day of first grade and it was instant friendship. I have so many wonderful memories of our growing up together, playing fairytales princesses, turning endless cartwheels, and too many others to name. My love and condolences to her family. I’ll remember her all my life.
Please accept our sincere condolences. We are praying for your family.