Mrs. Willie Jean Gorum, age 80, of Minden, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Minden, Louisiana.

Willie Jean was born on Saturday, April 21, 1945, in Colorado to the late Archie Willy Bryant and Dorothy Lasyone Bryant. She spent her life devoted to her family, whom she loved fiercely and without reservation. Her greatest joy was time spent with her grandchildren, who were the center of her world. She also enjoyed visiting garage sales, a pastime that brought her both pleasure and fond memories.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Kennith Ray Gorum; her daughter, Rolinda Gay Wise; her brother, Cecil Bryant; and her son-in-law, Gerald William Crayon, Jr.

Those left to cherish her memory include her beloved husband of many years, Donald Ray Gorum of Minden, Louisiana; her children, Tonja Simmons (Ronnie) and Shronda Taylor (Phillip); ten grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, along with a host of other family, relatives and friends.

Those honored to serve Mrs. Jean as pallbearers are Ronnie Simmons, Phillip Taylor, Christopher Simmons, Grayson Gorum, Brandon Gorum, Justin Wise, Honorary Pallbearers are Nathan Pickard, and Cody Johnson,

Visitation will be held at Southern Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Funeral services will be held at Southern Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Dan Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at Mars Hill Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting
www.southernfuneralhome.com