Donna Lynn Brantley

Donna Lynn Brantley, age 66, of Daphne, Alabama, went to meet her Savior on July 2, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Donna valiantly fought a battle with cancer for 10 years. She was born in Fairhope and raised in Barnwell, Alabama. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, L.C. and Alice Bishop, and son, Michael Thomas Willett. She is survived by her beloved husband, Karl Brantley of Daphne, son Brent Karlton Brantley (Ashley) of Daphne, daughter-in-law CeCe Willett of Loxley, sister Barbara Childress of Fairhope, and brother Johnny (Linda) Bishop of Fairhope. She has two grandchildren, Michael Thomas Willett, Jr., and Hope Gail Brantley. Donna’s greatest loves were Jesus, her family and her friends. She shared the story of the role Jesus played in her cancer journey with anyone who would listen. Her husband, Karl, was the security Donna held onto through the last part of her life, a role he filled well to the end. The pride and joy of Donna’s life were her two sons and two grandchildren. Donna always said her sons were her greatest accomplishments, and that although she knew they were really gifts from God, she loved to lay claim to them. Being able to hold her newborn granddaughter just weeks before her death was a highlight of her life. Times spent drinking coffee while visiting with friends was a regular occurrence. She loved camping, horseback riding and travelling, and her “happy place” was sitting by a campfire. Donna spent her life serving others. She was a true example of the Bible verse, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) She began when she was in her twenties by doing a fund raiser for a local fire department. Throughout her life, Donna held numerous fundraisers to help families with high medical expenses, and she organized fundraisers for various non-profit organizations. She also collected shoes and Bibles for children and families in Belize. After graduating from Faulkner Community College (now Coastal Community College) with two associate degrees, Donna went on to receive bachelor of science and master of business administration degrees from the University of Mobile. Real estate was a big part of Donna’s life. Since 1978, she held a real estate brokers license, and in the 1990’s she opened and operated the Century 21 office in Fairhope. She was co-owner of Bay Area Real Estate School, and she later worked as an agent for Skipper Realty. For the last several years, Donna was an agent with Elite Real Estate Solutions. Donna’s favorite career accomplishment was being the founder of the Alabama Make-A-Wish Foundation, where she organized over 500 wishes for children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses. Teaching was also a strength of Donna’s, and she taught business, marketing, management, and real estate classes at Faulkner State Community College. Her love for children was combined with her teaching skills as she coordinated many educational tours, summer camps and birthday parties at Brantley Farms. She also taught several home school classes in various subjects. In 1988, Donna travelled to Washington, DC, to be recognized by the United States Congress for her volunteer work with children. Among her other career recognitions were the Applause Award for Central Bank & Eastern Shore Courier, WKRG’s Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in 1988, Woman of the Year in 1988 for Beta Sigma Phi of Baldwin County, and Woman of the Year in 1989 for Business and Professional Women in Fairhope. When Donna was diagnosed with lung cancer, she began serving as a counselor for “Our Journey of Hope,” a cancer care ministry. She wanted to make sure everyone got a second opinion and the best treatment possible. From the beginning of her cancer journey, she told people God had blessed her with the disease, saying that the disease would serve a purpose. Donna was encouraged as many people told her, “God has this,” and she never doubted God’s love or his hand in her journey. She was amazed that she was able to take the treatment medicines without getting sick, because she was unable to take most medications. Donna’s faith, courage and determination throughout her journey were an inspiration to many who knew her. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (now City of Hope) in Newnan, Georgia, and Donna’s niece, Tammy Howell, whose compassion and nursing experience carried Donna and her family through the last days of her life. Funeral Services will be held from Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Daphne, Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 10:00am. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Private interment will be private.