Naomi Ruth Wright Brantley, the former educator and community activist has passed at the age of 96 today (March 29,2017), according to her family.
Brantley was born Naomi Ruth Wright June 11, 1920 in Harrison, Georgia the daughter of the late Thomas and Cora Lee Cain Wright. She was raised in Struthers, Ohio which would become the community where she became a pillar of education and political activist. Mrs. Brantley and her husband raised their family and became treasured lifetime residents of Struthers. Eventually, they would relocate to Zanesville, Ohio with their son, Dr. Keith Brantley, to live near family and enjoy their grandchildren.
Brantley retired from the Struthers City School District after many years of serving the local educational system as a librarian at Struthers High School. Her avid love for reading inspired many students towards college and led her to volunteer for many community organizations and educational initiatives. Mrs. Brantley’s commitment to the Struthers community was undeniable. She spearheaded a multitude of local political campaigns and encouraged others to be active with their voice and time. She was an energetic treasured member of St. John AME Church where she was known for her fashion sense, always in her Sunday’s best. She was a chapter member of the Struthers Democratic Women and a lifelong member of the NAACP. Mrs. Brantley was a strong supporter of education, politics, women empowerment and equality.
The sweet spot in her and her husband’s life was their family. She loved spending time with her son and grandchildren. She provided a blanket of morals, values and tradition which inspired them all to stand on family, love and a life of service.
Today we say goodbye to our beloved "Nana" but will continue to carry on her legacy. Mrs. Brantley's Homegoing (funeral services) will be held at St. John AME Church Saturday April 1, 2017 at 10:30 AM.
Naomi was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, James Whit Brantley, and her dearest son Jauan Brantley and loving sister Naola Kelley. Mrs. Brantley is survived by her son Dr. Keith (Kathy) Brantley of Zanesville, Ohio: three grandchildren, Kerron, Kandice (Eric) Coleman and Krandall James; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call at 10 AM Saturday at the church.  Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 a.m.   Burial service will follow at Tod Homestead Cemetery in Youngstown. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Naomi Brantley's name to: St. John AME Church, 97 W. Washington St., Struthers, OH 44471. Condolences may be expressed at guestbook link.

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