Grace (Cuylear) Brantley

“Give her of the fruit of her hands;
and let her own works praise her in the gates.”
Proverbs 31:31

Grace C. Brantley dedicated her life to her missionary work. She was a loving and kind-hearted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor, and a friend who touched many lives. On Saturday evening, January 25, 2020, Missionary Brantley transitioned from labor to reward. We are comforted and at peace knowing that she has gone home to be with the one that she served and dedicated her life to. As she entersher new home, she will be greeted with love from her beloved parents, Elone and Irene Cuylear; siblings, Reid, Leon, Isaac, Robert, Leola, Harold, and Randolph Cuylear; and her granddaughter, Amee Brantley

Grace was born in Ridgeland, SC, on July 13, 1948. She was the ninth of ten children born to the late Elone and Irene Cuylear. At an early age, she confessed Christ and joined Pine Savannah Baptist Church, where she served faithfully, until she married and moved her membership to Efferson Missionary Baptist Church. She was a very devoted member serving as Usher Board President, Deaconess, Overseer of the Missionary Board, Pastor Aide Club, Inspirational Choir Member, and Coordinator of the Church Food Bank Program. Grace was very outspoken and served her church faithfully until her health failed.

Grace was educated in the public schools of Jasper County. She attended Jasper County High School and furthered her education at Beaufort Technical College, where she learned how to do short-hand and secretarial work. She completed Ekklesia Bible Institute and earned an Associate Degree in Theology. She loved to sew and worked in many sewing factories for over 15 years in the Hampton, Jasper, and Allendale communities. She was also very active in the Estill High School Marching Band Booster Club when her children participated in the band. Some of her favorite jobs were transporting patients to their medical appointments, working as a substitute teacher in the Allendale County School system, and working with senior citizens by placing them on jobs with the Experience Workers Program. She worked with J’Bees Transfer Trucking Company as a receptionist for over four years, until her health failed. Missionary Brantley was a leader among leaders who did it with godliness, care,and compassion. She was affiliated with many faith-based organizations. She served
faithfully as a Past Matron of Thankful Chapter #103, served as RWNG Superintendent of the United Orders of Tents - Southern District #4, Educational Missionary with the Rockspring Sunday School Convention, and served as Assistant Secretary with the Gillison Branch Deacon Union. Missionary Brantley’s dedication and commitment to
these organizations and others vastly impacted the lives of many. Grace married the love of her life, James Brantley, and to this union, five beautiful
children she adored were born, Carolyn, James, Deborah, Corey and Sharonda. They were united in marriage for 51 years.

Grace leaves to cherish her fond memories: a loving and devoted husband of the home, James Brantley; two faithful sons, Pastor James (Teresa) Brantley of Gifford, SC, and Corey Brantley of Augusta, GA; three loving and supportive daughters, Carolyn (Victor) Simmons of Pineland, SC, Deborah (Tony Jr.) White of Hampton, SC, and Sharonda (Antonio) Brantley-Graves of Ridgeland, SC; two special daughters,
Jacqueline (Maurice) Harley of Hillside, New Jersey, and Allanah Dobson of Hampton, SC; 15 grandchildren, including a granddaughter reared in the home, Treasa (Corey, Sr.) Sutton of Seattle Washington; 16 great-grand children; two devoted and loving caregivers, DaShawn Carter and Debra Ling; two sisters, Dr. Merdis Johnson of Pineland, SC, and Missionary Loretta Busby of Lena, SC; 11 sisters-in-law, Pearlie Brantley of Estill, SC, Elnora (John) Newton of Lena, SC, Jane Cuylear of Hampton, SC, Marie Coleman-Cuylear of Elizabeth, NJ, Edna Cuylear of Ridgeland, SC, Margaret Cuylear of Estill, SC, Gwendolyn Jones of Pineland, SC, and Evangelist Sharon Brantley of Texas; three brothers-in-law, Elder Coy (Earlena) Brantley of Furman, SC, Harrison (Naomi) Brantley of Maplewood, NJ, and Willingham (Jeanette) Brantley of Ridgeland, SC; one
uncle, John Anderson of Ridgeland, SC; and a host of loving and devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and other relatives.

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