Samantha Draz Brantley

Samantha Draz Brantley passed away peacefully at home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on October 19, 2026, just days before her 73rd birthday. She was born on October 24, 1953, in Coronado, California, and lived a life marked by warmth, adventure, and a deep love for teaching and for the people around her.

Samantha was exuberant, outgoing, with a happy and optimistic spirit that drew others to her. She carried a great sense of humor and adventure through every chapter of her life, and those qualities remained among the gifts most cherished by all who knew her. She loved to travel, play golf, and enjoyed many happy hours playing Canasta and Mahjong within the Sawgrass Community. Above all, Samantha was a larger-than-life personality and all that knew her enjoyed being around her.

Samantha was most proud of her teaching career. She was a great teacher and loved the success she had with elementary school children. She was also especially proud of her hole-in-one at Sawgrass Country Club, number 3 West.

Education and learning were central to Samantha's life. She graduated High School from the Karachi American School in Pakistan in 1972 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from Hiram College in Ohio in 1976. She became a grade schoolteacher, predominantly teaching fourth grade, and was deeply proud of her work in the classroom. Samantha taught in Cleveland, Ohio, later at the Arabian American Oil Company School in Saudi Arabia, and then at the American School in London. She relished the success of her young students and took genuine pride in helping children learn, grow, and flourish.

One of Samantha's favorite stories was the beginning of her life with the man she loved. In 1984, while teaching in Saudi Arabia, she went on a blind date arranged by friends and met John L. Brantley. She was very proud of the story of how she met her husband, and it remained a joyful memory throughout her life.

Above all, Samantha will be remembered for the love she shared. She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, John Brantley. She is also survived by her sister, Melissa Draz, and her brother, David Draz.

She was preceded in death by her father, David Ingraham Draz; her mother, Barbara Frick Draz; and her sister, Katheryn Hazelrigs.

Samantha's life was one of bright energy, kindness, and purpose. She leaves behind the memory of a beloved wife, sister, teacher, and friend whose optimism and happy heart touched many lives. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

Samantha was enthusiastic about children's reading and a memorial to facilitate children's reading is being organized with the PV Beach Library in her name. Donations to honor Samantha can be sent to:

Friends of the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library
101 Library Blvd
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
ATTN: Samantha Brantley Memorial

A Celebration of Life will be held November 20, 2026 from 12:30 PM until 2:30 PM at the Sawgrass Country Club Beach Club.