Dr. Phedra Denise (Owens) Brantley

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with glory which shall be compared with glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18

A Time To Be Born
Phedra Denise Brantley, affectionately known as Phedra or Dr. Brantley, was born to Jack Owens and Betty Jean Rideaux in Beaumont, Texas, on September 2, 1970.

A Time To Plant
Phedra learned at an early age to love and praise God; she was baptized at New Rocky Valley Baptist Church in Grambling, Louisiana, where she remained a member until she moved to Monroe, Louisiana.

A Time To Serve
The Monroe community mourns the passing of Dr. Phedra Brantley, a respected leader and advocate for education in the region. Dr. Brantley served as the director of Human Resources for Monroe City Schools, and also worked as a school principal and teacher.

Dr. Brantley’s career in education spanned over three decades, during which she made significant contributions to the Monroe City school systems and the broader educational landscape of Louisiana. Her colleagues remember her as a dedicated professional who was passionate about improving educational outcomes and supporting educators.

A Life Dedicated to Education
Dr. Brantley’s journey in education began with her own studies. She graduated from Grambling State University (GSU) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1993, followed by a Master of Science in 1995.

In 2001, she furthered her expertise by earning an Educational Doctorate. Her pursuit of knowledge culminated in an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Supervision from the University of Louisiana Monroe.

Throughout her career, Dr. Brantley held various positions that showcased her leadership skills and
commitment to education.

Perhaps one of her most notable achievements was her tenure as the principal of Carver Elementary School.

Under her guidance, the school saw a remarkable turnaround, with Dr. Brantley successfully raising the school’s letter grade to a “C” after years of underperformance. This accomplishment earned her recognition as an award-winning principal and demonstrated her ability to affect positive change in challenging educational environments.

A Legacy of Leadership
In her last role in public education, she served as director of Human Resources for Monroe City schools. She was responsible for overseeing crucial HR functions within the school district. Her duties included managing staff and implementing human resource policies, tasks she approached with the same dedication and expertise that characterized her entire career.

Dr. Brantley was also actively involved in educational leadership beyond her official roles. She was associated with the Louisiana Association of Educators, further extending her influence and advocacy for quality education across the state as well as many civic organizations in the community.

A Time of Remembrance
Dr. Brantley died on August 30, 2024, after a prolonged illness. She was fifty-three years old, just days short of her 54th birthday. As news of her passing spread, tributes poured in from educators, administrators, and community leaders who worked with Dr. Brantley over the years. Many cite her unwavering commitment to improving educational environments and her support for educators as defining characteristics of her professional life.

A Time to Mourn
Phedra was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Allen Owens and Alberta Owens; her maternal grandparents, Floyd Rideaux and Irma Frank Rideaux; mother, Betty Jean Rideaux Owens Jones; and sister, Vira Williams.

A Time of Peace
Phedra leaves to cherish her memories: loving husband, Ronald Brantley; children, Vivian (Ellis) and Ronald Brantley, Jr.; grandchildren, Tyler Ellis, Layla Ellis, and Ralphael E. Brantley; father, Jack Owens (Mary) and Eddie Milton Jones; sisters, Cheryl Lazard, Sandra Kelly, Telisha Owens, Francheska Jones, Keanyatta Green, and Henrika Rucker (Riley); brothers, Jack Eugene Owens, Terrell Owens, Darrell Douriso (Demetrie), Ronald Jacket, Derrence Harmon, Chadron Jones, Anthony Jones, Otis Jones, and Kennedi Rayne Manning; goddaughter; and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Phedra Denise (Owens) Brantley, please visit our floral store.