Susan Gene Brantley

It is with a heavy heart that I share the story of Susan H. Brantley, who was born on September 4, 1948, and passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the age of 77. The daughter of Robert and Gene Hammett, Susan grew up in Shreveport, LA. She often shared stories of her childhood as a tomboy. While attending Youree Drive Middle School, a group of girls started the "Susan Hammett Hate Club," to which Susan famously responded by dating their boyfriends—leaving little doubt as to who won that tiff. Susan was remarkably athletic for her petite stature, participating in softball, track, and basketball before joining the cheerleading squad. She even performed as halftime entertainment for the Centenary College basketball team, once leaping over eleven students lying on the floor. A graduate of C.E. Byrd High School’s class of 1966, Susan went on to attend LSU, where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and met her future husband, Joseph "Beaver" Brantley. She began her career with the Louisiana School Board before finding her true calling as a Realtor. Susan served her clients for over 45 years, earning Emeritus status and eventually joining her son’s brokerage in 2010. Beyond her professional life, Susan was full of spirit. She enjoyed competitive tennis, skiing, scuba diving, and challenging her family to games of Rummikub. She was an active member of the Baton Rouge community, involved with the Junior League, the Fur Ball Committee, the Demoiselle Club, and the City Club of Baton Rouge. A longtime parishioner of St. Aloysius Church, her faith was unmatched. Susan also had a profound love for animals, having cared for dogs, cats, horses, and even the occasional goose. Above all, Susan was most proud of her sons and grandchildren. She was a constant fixture in the stands at their games, cheering loudly (and occasionally questioning the officiating). Susan had a radiant soul and a presence that lightened every room she entered. She was beautiful, kind, and loving to all, and she will be greatly missed. Susan is survived by her sons, Patton Brantley (Kerri) and Brian Brantley; grandchildren, Brant, Bankston, and Burke; sister, Cynthia Cummer (Bill); and a host of other loving family members and friends. Susan is preceded in death by her husband, Beaver Brantley; parents, Robert and Gene Hammett; and brother, Grey Hammett, Jr. Visitation will be at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2025 Stuart Ave., Baton Rouge, LA, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 9:30am until the time of memorial services at 11am. There will be a private burial for the family at Greenoaks Memorial Park.