Annie Lee Brantley, beloved daughter of the late Julia Seabon Westbrook and James Lee Westbrook was born August 17, 1920 in Yale, Virginia, one of seven children. Upon her mother's death in 1927, she and her siblings moved to the Jerseyland section of Scotch Plains, New Jersey to be raised by their aunt and uncle, Blanche and Walter Andrews. Annie graduated from the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school system. She married Charles Bowman Brantley on June 21, 1941 and was blessed with three children, Glenn, Carol and Francena "Fran". Annie and Charles were devoted to each other and joyfully celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June 1991 at Pantagis Renaissance in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Annie was an active and dedicated parent and served as an officer of the PTA for many years and the Roselle Ram's Booster Club. She continued this involvement with her "grands", quizzing them on spelling and math, attending football games, plays and recitals, always there to celebrate their success. Annie was hard working all of her life, securing her first job in 9th grade. She worked in the Defense Industry while Charles served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Annie was also an entrepreneur bringing in additional income working as a domestic, a laundress and seamstress. She made most of her clothes as well as many dresses, suits, and gowns worn by her children. The Church, community and friends were where Annie Lee focused her energies outside her family. She started her Christian journey at St. John's Baptist Church, Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Annie taught Sunday school for 35 years prior to joining Heard AME Church in 1990, where she was an active participant of the Louise Wilson Missionary Society, the Hour of Prayer Bible Study and Heard Senior Society Class. In 2008 she was honored by Heard as Mother of the Year, and in 2010 by the Missionary Society for continuous dedicated service. She was also an everyday Prayer Warrior, who people called from near and far asking her to put someone on the prayer list. Annie often said, "put God first" and claimed the 91st Psalm as her "marching orders". An active member of Gideon's International Newark Camp, Annie passed out Bibles on College Campuses and in Hospitals always offering a hand, smile or prayer. Learning how to quilt brought her joy in her later years. She sold her quilts at Craft shows, and shared her hobby teaching quilting to students and seniors. They made quilts for the sick and shut-ins, and the babies of Katrina. Her last projects were bed quilts for the new Light House Shelter for the homeless, Annapolis, Maryland and for her youngest daughter. Annie also enjoyed baking sweet potato pies and shipped them to delighted friends and family across the country. Annie nurtured and treasured the friendships she made and was always there when needed to offer a kind word, a bible verse or any other help she could. Until recently, she was still driving her friends to the grocery store, doctor's appointments, and to see friends. There was a core group she talked to and prayed with daily over the years but none longer than her dear friend Louise Wilson whom she talked to every day for the last 70 years even on her last day. Annie got hooked on sports running track in high school, and always turned to Sports first when she read the newspaper. Football and basketball were her favorites sometimes watching 2 games a night. Annie Lee Brantley departed this life on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 10:30PM seven months after a joyous 90th birthday celebration back in Jerseyland. She danced with her granddaughters and friends, just like she did in the 1930's at Shady Rest, the first African-American golf and country club in the United States. And Shady Rest was where she met her beloved Charles. She was predeceased by her husband Charles; four brothers: William, Levi, James "Peachie", Horace; and her sister Virginia. She leaves her family to cherish wonderful memories: three children Glenn, Carol and Fran Brantley, daughter –in-law Muriel Brantley; her sister Rosabelle Johnson and two sisters- in-law Jackie Westbrook and Emma Gilmore; four grandchildren Christopher Brantley, Kelli Morales, Scott and Stacey Harrell and grand daughter-in-law Gail Harrell; six great- grandchildren Kayla Brantley, Justin and Jared Morales, Jason, Malcolm and Aaron Harrell; and many nieces, nephews cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers Annie had requested and the famiy asks that you support one of two groups that meant a lot to her: Jerseyland Park Community Center, Inc. Attn: Scholarship Committee P.O. Box 5 Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 Gideons International - Newark Camp 1730 Front Street Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Annie Lee Brantley. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.