Katherine C. Brantley, a native of St. Louis, transitioned from this life to the next on Sunday, November 9, 2008. Katherine attended St. Louis public Schools, graduating from Vashon High School in 1939 and Stowe Teacher’s College in June 1943.
On August 28, 1944 Katherine was joined in marriage to the late Major Charles Brantley (Tuskegee Airman). She was one of the first African Americans to receive a Masters in Education from St. Louis University in 1966.
Being a teacher, she taught wherever they were stationed. She was a teacher in Ohio, Germany; Hawaii, New York; Illinois and St. Louis. She taught at Sumner High School and ended her career retiring as a guidance counselor from the Wellston School District.
She was able to fulfill her quest to travel and was blessed to visit almost every corner of the world.
Katherine accepted Christ at an early age and was an active member of Pleasant Green Baptist Church for many years. She was an educator at heart, enjoyed her plants and the fruit trees she planted in her yard. She loved shopping for a bargain and was always working on a word search puzzle.
Katherine was very active in her community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, St. Louis Connect Care Celebrity Seniors, The Tuskeegee Airman Inc., The Horticulture Study Club, Stowe Societas Alumnarum (graduate of Stowe Teacher’s College), Vashon Alumni, and Arkansas Baptist College Alumni Group.
Katherine is survived by her three children, Vernon, Ronald (Hazel) and Kalyn (Eric); three grandchildren, Artemus Lamont (Jennifer), Joseph (Tamara), Kareen; four great grandchildren, Charles, Antonio-James, Caleb and Katelyn; and cousins, extended family and friends.
Katherine Forstine Conway Brantley was a phenomenal woman who lived life to the fullest, trusted God and was respected by all who knew her. She will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please send scholarship donation to: Harris-Stowe State University Foundation. In memory of Katherine C. Brantley. c/o Dr. George Hyram, 3026 Laclede Ave. St. Louis, MO. 63103-2136-