Wanda Brantley

Wanda Brantley, 75, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, July 1, 2016, at Auburn Creek Assisted Living.

She was born June 22, 1941, in Sikeston, Missouri, to Carroll and Lottie Mae Blankenship Jones. She and Russell Dean Brantley were married Aug. 11, 1959, at Caruthersville, Missouri, and lived happily together until Russ died March 11, 1994.

Wanda devoted her life to caring for her husband, children and grandchildren. Russ' unexpected death left a hole in Wanda's heart that never quite healed. But the last two years of her life were very happy, due in large part to the new friends she found in the wonderful staff and fellow residents at Auburn Creek. These kind, caring and compassionate people brought the smile back to Wanda's face and they were rewarded with the sound of her infectious laugh.

Wanda is survived by her three daughters, Joyce (Mike) Wunderlich, Carol (Kevin) Mize and Laura (Tedd) Powers, all of Cape Girardeau; two grandchildren, Holly Brantley of Springfield, Missouri, and Travis Lee of Cape Girardeau; and siblings Nita Malone of Caruthersville, Carolyn Moody of Cape Girardeau, Elvis Jones of Florence, Alabama, Mary Hicks and Linda Davis of Columbus, Ohio, Johnny Jones of Iuka, Mississippi, Jimmy Jones of Cordova, Tennessee, Janet Jones of Columbus and Debbie Hood of Hayti, Missouri.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Alan Jones; and her best buddy from Auburn Creek, Mary Vowels.

The family will host a celebration of Wanda's life at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.