Brant Funeral Service

02/20/2026

Gwendolyn Sue Johnson

Gwendolyn Sue Johnson, age 88, of Sciotoville, peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Hill View Healthcare, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 18, 1937, in Portsmouth, she was the cherished daughter of the late Raymond and Opal Truitt Mowery.

Gwen graduated from Portsmouth High School in the Class of 1955 and went on to serve as a dedicated legal secretary with the Miller, Searl & Fitch Law Firm. She was a member of the Sciotoville Christian Church.

Gwen's life was a testament to her deep love for family, which was at the center of all she did. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Ray Johnson; her brother, Homer Mowery; and two sisters, Geneva Pierron and Patricia Pitts-Tracy.

She is survived by her devoted son, Jim (Lettie) Johnson; her loving daughter, Susan Reed; two brothers, Gilbert Mowery and Scott Mowery; a sister, Sharon Boggs; four grandsons, Zachary Hayes, Ryan Hayes, Andrew Johnson, and Nathan Johnson; as well as four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Gwendolyn's Life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23rd, at the Brant Funeral Home in Sciotoville, with Steve Falls officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Burial Park. The family will welcome guests at Brant's from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Monday.

In honoring her memory, let us remember Gwen as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend whose spirit will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.

View Gwendolyn Sue Johnson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/19/2026

Dorothy Ann Myers

Dorothy Ann Myers, aged 90, of Portsmouth, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving daughters on February 18, 2026. Born on September 2, 1935, in Scioto County, she was the daughter of John Milford and Audrey Creech Lambert.

A dedicated member of the Fellowship Baptist Church in South Shore, KY, Dorothy had a fulfilling career as a medical transcriptionist, where she was known for her professionalism and commitment.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Lee Myers, Sr., and their son, David Myers, Jr. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Gerald, James, and Dale Lambert; a sister, Helen Tolbert; and a special grandson, Gabriel Myers.

Dorothy is survived by her two daughters, Mary Barber and Candace Myers, and her son, Jonathon (Liz) Blaine Myers. She cherished her family, who will remember her fondly, including her eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Fellowship Baptist Church with Pastor Warren Kelly officiating and music by Pastor Ryan Hunt and others. The family invites all to join them for a time of fellowship following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to SOMC Hospice in honor of Dorothy’s memory.

Arrangements are being handled by the Brant Funeral Home in Sciotoville. Dorothy's warmth, love, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

View Dorothy Ann Myers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/17/2026

Joyce Ann Gregory

Joyce Ann Gregory, age 84, of Wheelersburg, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at the Southern Ohio Medical Center, surrounded by her beloved family. Joyce was born on August 15, 1941, in Portsmouth, the daughter of the late Fred and Kathryn Garvey Hieneman.

A devoted member of the Sciotoville Christian Church, Joyce actively participated in various women’s groups, where she made lasting connections and fostered a spirit of community. Her career as a teacher with the Washington-Nile School District, particularly at Jenkins Elementary, reflected her passion for education and dedication to nurturing the minds of young learners.

Joyce's greatest joy was her family, to whom she dedicated her life with unconditional love and support. She is preceded in death by her husband, Roger Blaine Gregory, her son-in-law, Keith Vanderpool, and her twin great-grandbabies, Honey and Rory Edwards.

She is survived by two daughters, Stephanie Gregory and Susan Vanderpool; brothers, James (Diana) Hieneman and David (Michelle) Hieneman; sisters, Donna (Steve) Chinn and Jean (Dave Gannon) Carver; as well as her cherished grandchildren, James (Kristan) Conkey, Jennifer Conkey, Jeb (Jocee) Conkey, Mackenzie (Alex) Coakley, and Maddison (Ian) Edwards. Additionally, she leaves behind great-grandchildren Maci Conkey, Colton Conkey, Hadley Conkey, Mia Conkey, Deacon Caokley, Kynlee Conkey, Sunday Coakley, Kamryn Conkey, Harper Edwards, and Kade Conkey, along with several nieces and nephews and her special longtime friend, Carol Bussa.

A Celebration of Joyce's Life will be held on Friday, February 20th, at 11:00 a.m. at Brant Funeral Home, officiated by Alex Coakley and Steve Falls. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive guests on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sciotoville Christian Church.

View Joyce Ann Gregory's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/12/2026

Howard Salyer

Howard Joseph Salyer, age 88, of Portsmouth, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at the SOMC Hospice Center, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 27, 1937, in Minford, he was the only child of the late Reverend Hershel Salyer and Marie Jordan Salyer.

A dedicated professional, Howard retired as an electrician from Fluor Daniel in Circleville and attended the Rubyville Community Church. He was also an avid Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Red’s Fan.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Etta Lou (Mason) Salyer, along with two daughters, Rhonda (Roger) Compton and Jayne Ann Lemley. His legacy continues through his three grandchildren, Kyle (Chelsea) Compton, Jared (Bekah) Compton, and Anthony Lemley, as well as five great-grandchildren, Maelynn, Kylie, Reed, Braden, and Braxton.

In accordance with Howard's wishes, funeral services were held privately for the family, with Pastor Calvin Ray Evans and Pastor Brian Baer officiating. He was laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brant Funeral Home in Sciotoville.

View Howard Salyer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/02/2026

James Stapleton

James Lee Stapleton, age 78, of Portsmouth, passed away peacefully at the SOMC Hospice Center. Born on March 7, 1947, in Portsmouth, he was the beloved son of the late Willie Lee and Bonnie Boggs Stapleton.

Jim was a proud graduate of Happy Hearts School and dedicated his working life to the Star Workshop. A committed member of the Victory Tabernacle Church, he served as a deacon, uplifting those around him with his faith and service.

Jim found joy in attending yard sales, exploring antique stores, and collecting cans. His simple pleasures reflected his generous spirit and love for discovery.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mittie Marks Stapleton; his pastor, Ruth (Marty) McGlone; his cherished church family; his friends, Marty and Frank; several caregivers and providers.

Preceding him in death was his special caregiver, Bill Gay.

A service in honor of Jim’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7th, at the Brant Funeral Home in Sciotoville, with Pastor Ruth McGlone officiating. Visitation will take place at Brant's from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday as family and friends gather to celebrate his memory and the impact he had on their lives.

View James Stapleton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/21/2026

Phillip Miller

Phillip Miller, age 71, of Wheelersburg, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, at the Southern Ohio Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 15, 1954, in Lawrence County, a son of the late Alford and Lillie Robbins Miller.

Phillip was a proud graduate of Wheelersburg High School, class of 1973. He dedicated his professional life as a machine operator with the Norfolk and Southern Railroad, from which he later retired.

An enthusiastic lover of trains, Phillip also enjoyed visiting flea markets and was known for his passion for bowling. He found joy in many activities, but his greatest pride was in his family.

Phillip is survived by his devoted wife, Claire Nordgren Miller of fifty one years; two sons, Sean (Mindy) Miller of Wheelersburg and Shadd (Jessica) Miller of Portsmouth; a daughter, Sarah (Josh) Newman of West Lafayette, IN; and six sisters, Elsie Lewis of Wheelersburg, Mary Slark of Portsmouth, Diane (Paul) Lane of Portsmouth, Alice (Roy) Charles of Wheelersburg, Belinda (Gene) McCoy of Huntington, WV, and Tina (Param) Harris of South Shore, KY. He was a proud grandfather to Braden Miller, Caleb Miller, Katherine Miller, Ayda Newman, Kash Newman, Miller Newman, Billy Miller, P.J. Miller, Maggie Miller, and Cooper Miller, and was adored by several nieces and nephews.

Phillip was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Miller, and three sisters, Brenda Miller, Menda Thomas, and Christine Thompson.

His family will cherish the love and memories he leaves behind.

Arrangements are being handled with care by the Brant Funeral Home in Sciotoville.

View Phillip Miller's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/17/2026

James Gallion

James Edward Gallion, age 70, of Franklin Furnace, passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on October 22, 1955, in Portsmouth, James touched the lives of many through his warmth and kindness.

James had a fulfilling career as a chemical operator with Dow Chemical Company and attended the Jr. Furnace Baptist Church. His passion for the outdoors was evident in his love for gardening and working on his tractor, where he found joy in nature and its beauty.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Valerie Bryant Gallion, two sons, James N. (Deanna) Gallion of Portsmouth and David L. Gallion of Franklin Furnace. He leaves behind a close-knit family that includes six brothers: David E. (Pam), George E. (Debbie), Richard L. (Cathy), Michael E. (Patty), Robert D. (Carolyn), and Scott (Missy) Gallion; as well as two sisters, Cheryl (Jason) Blair and Patty (Paul) Ruggles.

James is preceded in death by his father, Elmer Gallion; his mother, Ruby Joseph Breeding; and his stepfather, John Breeding.

His memory will forever be cherished by all who knew him. James's legacy of love and dedication to family will continue to inspire those left behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24th, at Brant Funeral Home in Sciotoville with Pastor Mark Pierce officiating. The family invites friends to honor his memory during a visitation at Brant’s on Saturday, January 24th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

View James Gallion's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/15/2026

Larry Atkins

Larry Edward Atkins, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at his home Pittsburgh, PA, with his family by his bedside. He was born on August 12, 1935, in New Boston, the only son of the late Harry Thomas and Selah Victoria Eshem Atkins.

Larry devoted part of his life to serving his country in the U.S. Army before pursuing higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University. He went on to enjoy a long and distinguished career, making significant contributions as an executive at Armco Steel. Throughout his professional journey, his dedication and leadership earned him the deep respect and admiration of colleagues and peers alike.

A man of commitment and integrity, Larry was a member of Western Sun Lodge #91 F&AM. His involvement in the Masonic community was a testament to his strong sense of duty to his community and the values he cherished throughout his life. Larry was a distinguished former councilman of the Sixth Ward and mayor of the great City of Portsmouth.

Surviving are his wife, Sharon Rollins Atkins; three daughters, Lori (Steve) Buchanan of Danville, KY, Vicki Daum of Pittsburgh, PA, and Joni (Chuck) Johnson of Lucasville; three sons, Anthony (Dawn) Tackett of Mansfield, Terry (Debbie) Tackett of McDonald, PA, and Timothy (Elena) Tackett of Overland Park, KS. Additionally, he leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 32½ great-grandchildren, each of whom will cherish their memories of him.

Larry was also preceded in death by a son, William Christopher Tackett.

He will be remembered fondly for his unwavering service, strong work ethic, and the deep devotion he showed to his family, leaving a lasting legacy across generations.

A Celebration of Larry's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20th, at Brant Funeral Home in Sciotoville. Military honors will be rendered by the James Dickey Post of the American Legion.

The family invites friends to honor Larry's memory during a visitation at Brant’s on Monday, January 19th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A masonic service will be held at 8:00 p.m. by Western Sun Lodge #91 F.&A.M.

View Larry Atkins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/05/2026

Sharon Kazee

Sharon Kazee, age 62, of New Boston, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Born on September 9, 1963, in Portsmouth, she was the beloved daughter of the late Curt and Helen Allard Kazee.

Sharon was known for her warm sense of humor and enjoyed making those around her laugh. She cherished her time spent shopping with her sister, Tina, and held deep love for her family, especially her nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her four brothers: Rick, Tony, Dennis, and Dale Kazee, and three sisters: Margaret Kazee, Lois Friend, and Tammy Rigney.

She is survived by four brothers: Dallas, Greg, John, and Dean Kazee, two sisters: Tina Rose and Doris Grahm, along with several nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly.

Sharon’s spirit and laughter will be missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Brant Funeral Home in Sciotoville on Thursday, January 8th, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. to celebrate her life.

View Sharon Kazee's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/25/2025

12/09/2025

Harold William Vallandingham

Harold William Vallandingham, 86, of South Shore, KY, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 8, 2025. He was born on January 3, 1939, in Williamstown, KY, to the late Robert Ray and Reesa Marie Atkins Vallandingham.

From the moment he first saw her, Harold knew that Paula Naomi Abbott was the girl he would marry. They were united in marriage on June 3, 1977, and shared more than 48 wonderful years together.

In addition to his devoted wife, Harold is survived by his son, Bryan Vallandingham (Michael Kline) of South Shore, KY; his granddaughter, Kylie Montavon (Westley) of McDermott, OH; two sisters-in-law, Irma Vallandingham of Florence, KY, and Kathie Vallandingham of Cincinnati, OH; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Joy Vallandingham; two brothers, Robert Vallandingham and Bennie Vallandingham; and one sister, Mary Vallandingham.

Harold retired in 2001 from Norfolk & Southern Railroad, where he worked as a clerk. Shortly after retiring, he joyfully took on the role of babysitter for his granddaughter, Kylie, born that same September. She had him wrapped around her little finger — and he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Harold dearly loved his family and continually thanked God for them. It was his heartfelt desire that each one come to know Christ as their personal Savior, and he never hesitated to share the Gospel with those he met.

A celebration of his life will be held at Berean Baptist Church at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 15, 2025, with Dr. Harry Ramsey and Pastor Jesse Cook officiating. The family will receive visitors one hour before from 1:00-2:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Berean Baptist Church Missions, 5526 Wi******er Ave., Sciotoville, OH 45662.

View Harold William Vallandingham's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/05/2025

Good luck, Wheelersburg Pirates! 🏴‍☠️🏈

Todd Preston of Brant Funeral Service — a proud 1986 graduate of Wheelersburg High School — is wishing our Pirates the very best of luck as they take the field in the Division V State Finals!

From everyone at Brant Funeral Service, congratulations on a remarkable season, and best of luck in the State Finals.

Bring it home, Pirates!