Flo Brantley~A Wonderful Lady

We just got a Facebook notice the other day.  A dear friend of ours, from our former Knightdale Ward family, passed away.  Sister Flo Brantley died unexpectedly.  Her heath had not been good for a while now but her passing away took us by surprise.  I meet Flo several years ago when the Knightdale Ward was organized.  We were meeting in the Zebulon Ward meetinghouse while the Knightdale meetinghouse when under construction (actually, the land had not even been approved/purchased yet).  She and her husband, Archie were quiet the couple.  They were always smiling and so happy to interact with people.  Both had just sunny dispositions.  Everyone just felt better by being in their presence. 

My first memory of Sis Brantley was when she taught our Relief Society class.  I'm not sure what the lesson was about but I do remember she shared her family's conversion story.  Archie and Flo served in the military (Marines, I'm 99% sure because Bro Brantley reminds me so much of my daddy, a former Marine.) Actually, they are very close in age and have very similar military backgrounds.  I think this is one reason I was so smitten with the Brantleys.)  Anyway, in honor of this wonderful, terrific lady, I thought I'd share this story.

Stationed and living on a military base, Archie and Flo Brantley had many interesting neighbors.  Many were described as quiet colorful.  Let me explain.  Archie and Flo didn't belong to a church.  On Sunday mornings, Archie would shine his boots on his front porch.  His neighbor shined his boots at the same time.  They'd shine and talk.  They would also see some of their fellow servicemen go to church on Sunday mornings.  Now, neither of these men went to church but they talked about the guys they saw going.  His neighbor was quick to point out that these men would party all week long and go to church on Sunday.  He made it clear in any uncertain terms they were hypocrites!  During these weekly, shoe shining dates, the two men talked religion.  Well, come to find out, the Brantley's neighbor was a less-active, cigar-smokin' Mormon!  The two men talked and talked religion...before they knew it, the less-active member had talked his way back into activation and yes, you guessed it, the Brantley family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!

The Brantley's were sealed in the temple.  They were blessed with children.  They raised their family up to be very active members of the church.  They sent children on missions and joyfully watched their children marry in the temple and begin their forever families.

Sister Brantley was a genealogy specialist for our stake.  She jokingly said missionary work for the dead was a lot easier that the missionary work here on earth.  The dead couldn't shut a door in your face (haha)!
Sister Flo Brantley will be greatly missed her on earth.  Her sweet husband will be completely lost her without her.  He doted on her and adored her so much.  It was so sweet to see the two of them together.  I know he will recieve much comfort knowing they have an eternal family and will live again together one day.

Flo and Archie Brantley's 50th wedding anniversary picture.

****Correction:  Bro Brantley served in the Air Force not Marines but he still reminds me of my daddy.