Willetta M Brantley

Willetta Marie Brantley passed away on November 5, 2024, after battling Multiple Sclerosis along with many other health issues that she fought every day with dignity and grace. Willetta never complained or even talked much about her lifelong health struggles, but was always more concerned with her friends and what was going on in their lives. Her smile, sense of humor and empathy made everyone drawn to her. Willetta is Loved and missed by her devoted husband, Robert W. Brantley, Jr., and her son, Robert W. Brantley III and his new bride Allison Brantley, sister, Marcia Skupeika and brother, Drew Shimkus along with nephews, Eric Skupeika and Mark Skupeika, Bruce Shimkus, several uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends who became family. Willetta was born in Chicago Illinois, September 10, 1958. Her family moved to Pompano Beach, Florida when she was around 18 months old. She graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School. After that, she worked at the Southeast Bank of Deerfield. We first met at a Ft. Lauderdale “Discotheque” named ART STOCK’S PLAYPEN in 1978. After 3 years of dating, we married. Soon after we wed. Willetta started working for the Pompano Beach Police Department, Community Relations Division. We were blessed with the birth of our son, Robert Wilson Brantley III, in 1983. After taking a short time off, she became a Western Union Agent, and we opened BUBBA’S WESTERN UNION. A few years later, she started working for the City of Pompano Beach Water Department. In 1987, Willetta was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis after having a debilitating event requiring a prolonged stay at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Little did we know that it was the beginning of a lifelong battle. With therapy and determination, she returned to her normal routine. For the rest of her life this routine became more frequent, each time doing a little more damage. Willetta was a fighter. A strong and determined woman. Never complaining of the Herculean effort, it took her to get through each exacerbation of MS. She strived to keep her independence whenever possible and live a normal life. All of her friends, old and new. Helped her through this journey. I will never be able to express how much these acts of love and kindness meant. One goal that helped keep her going was to be at our son Robbie’s wedding. This was stolen from her by doctors in the Broward Health Medical System by refusing to do two routine cultures. This I will never forgive or forget. Willetta’s positivity, kindness, determination, and love of life will be remembered by anyone lucky enough to have known her. She made a positive impact on everyone she interacted with. Our family would like to thank all who have been part of her life. She is at peace now and not in pain. Willetta, I never said it enough, I love you. You will be missed sorely by Robbie and me.

Willetta M Brantley

September 10, 1958 - November 5, 2024