Sandra L. Brantley was born on August 26, 1946, in Akron, Ohio to Julia Payne and Andrew Smith. After battling a long illness, she departed this earthly life in the comfort of her daughter Tina’s home while her daughter was at her bedside.

After graduating from South High School, Sandra went on to marry the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Leo Brantley. To this union, three beautiful children were born. She loved her family and cherished them greatly.

Sandra loved the Lord dearly. She faithfully attended her church home, Stone’s Deliverance Temple. She served on the Ushering Board of the church as well as enjoyed participating in Bible Study with her fellow members.

Being a natural people person, Sandra used those skills to brighten the day of others while employed in various customer service positions. After over 30 years her health became fragile, and she decided to retire.

In her free time, Sandra would watch Old Western shows and later be found full of laughter and smiles while discussing the events with her siblings. Her family was her pride and joy. To know her was to love her, she will be deeply missed.

Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Brantley; mother, Julia Payne; fathers, Andrew Smith, and Henry Payne; and cousin, Sonny Howey.

Her memory will live on through her children, Valencia Brantley, Martinus “Tina” Gills, and Charvis (Tanesha) Brantley all of Akron, OH; sisters, Joyce Amerson of California, Rosetta Bates of Las Vegas, and Barbara Ellerson of Akron, OH; brothers, Earl (Margaret) Payne of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bruce (Sue) Payne and Roger Payne of Akron, OH, and Tyrone (Rosa) Beck of Kentucky; grandchildren, Michael Gills Jr., Michelle Gills, Cody Brantley, and Chayce Brantley all of Akron, OH and Chaaz Brantley of Columbus, OH; great-grandchildren Makayla Gills, Mya Fields, and Myles Fields all of Akron, OH, and Chaz Brantley Jr. of Columbus, OH; special son-in-law, Michael Gills of Akron; special goddaughter, Tracy Terrell-Crawford; special niece, Taletha Payne; dear friends, Andrea Poole, Ella Jean Garrett, Virginia Jemison, and Debra Peterson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.