Laura Brant

Laura Barr Brant, 105, of Mansfield, died Thursday, July 24, 2008 at her home. Born August 17, 1902 in Mansfield, she was the daughter of John Brough and Mary Luella Verbeck Barr. She and her sister and two brothers were the great-grandchildren of Mansfield pioneer John Jacob Wiler. Laura graduated from Orlando Senior High School in June 1920. After graduation, her parents came back to Mansfield and Laura graduated from Ashland College. She then married the late John "Johnny" Sherman Brant on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1925. Laura's great pleasure was in teaching. She taught at Prospect School, the school she attended as a child, Ranchwood, and her pride and joy was at Stingle Elementary where she taught sixth graders. Laura also taught music in the schools. She was a member of First English Lutheran Church.

She is survived by one daughter-in-law, Sandra Brant of Mansfield; granddaughter, Laura Katherine Brant Martinez; great-granddaughters, Anjala and Micala Martinez; great-grandson, Stanley Bennett; nieces, Mary Lou Lain, Carolyn Caywood, and Kathy Kimball; and nephews, Richard Lain, and John Lain. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Sherman Brant on April 12, 1953; son, John Stanley Brant November 13, 1968; brothers, Lloyd Stanley Barr and John Louis Barr; sister, Pearl Shaniberger; and close friend, Mathew Burrage.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2008 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Mansfield Cemetery conducted by Rev. Cloyd Kress. Friends may also call Monday from 12 to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to First English Lutheran Church.