Carol Lynn Brantley

Carol was born on May 31, 1935 in Houston to E.G. Owen and Eunice Belle (“E.B.”) Scheffer Owen. Carol’s husband of 68 years, John Brantley, preceded her in death just last December.

Carol was a native Houstonian. She grew up on the east side of Houston and graduated from Austin High School. She met the love of her life, William Taylor Brantley, Jr. (“John”), when she was just 16 years old at a church social. They married when she was 18 years old. At the time (and this was during the Korean War), John was serving in the Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio where they made their first home.

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, John and Carol returned to Houston. John and Carol’s only child, Craig Taylor Brantley, was born in December 1958. Carol loved being a stay-at-home mom and making sure all the neighborhood boys were well-fed. Eventually, and because she was genius-smart, Carol attended college and began working for Exxon. Carol and John worked their way through college, all the while both working for Exxon. Carol earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Houston.

Carol and John were very active in their church and community. They had many friends, from church, work, and the Glenbrook Valley neighborhood where they had made their home. Carol and John retired from Exxon in the early 80s, and spent their retirement years enjoying retired life. They became Master Gardeners and loved shopping for and planning their seasonal flower beds.

Carol also loved collecting! She collected cookie jars, salt and pepper shakers, and anything cute that caught her eye. All told, Carol had collected over 600 cookie jars over the years. Her family now cherishes the ones she loved the most.

Carol was devoted to her small family. The day her granddaughter Christie Taylor Brantley was born was the most joyous event. Carol and John loved Christie almost more than life itself and became her nanny during her first year. Craig and his wife Laurie are forever grateful to them for taking such good care of Christie while they worked.

As time passed, Carol and John moved from Glenbrook Valley to Spring to live near Craig, Laurie and Christie. They enjoyed being part of their life while watching Christie grow up, attended Christie’s school functions and lots of cheerleading competitions.

Carol was very strong in her faith. Carol and John attended Southeast Church of Christ for many years and then Southside Church of Christ. Many of you here will recall their generosity (John loved giving away neckties he’d found at thrift stores and garage sales), Carol’s cooking, and their love for their church family.

Carol is survived by her son, Craig, his wife Laurie Massey Brantley, granddaughter Christie Brantley Yates, Christie’s husband Aaron Yates, and two great grandchildren: Brantley Scott Yates, two years old, and Walker Wilcox Yates, two months old.

A visitation for Carol will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023, followed by a memorial service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Brantley family.