Janet Leah Brand

Janet Leah Brand

September 15, 1951 – July 21, 2026

Janet Leah Brand, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 21, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born on September 15, 1951, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Janet was raised with a servant’s heart that would define the rest of her life. She graduated from Blackwell High School in Blackwell, Oklahoma, before earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma. During her college years, she sang with the Roustabouts and was active in collegiate debate. She answered her calling to teach, and for more than 35 years poured her heart into the lives of thousands of students, believing that every child deserved encouragement, compassion, and someone who believed in them. Her dedication to her students earned her recognition as Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year, but to Janet, the greatest reward was seeing the children she loved grow into confident, capable adults. Teaching was never just a profession to Janet…..it was her ministry.

One of life’s sweetest moments came while she was teaching second grade, when one of her students, Scotty, asked his father to join him for lunch at school. During that visit, while discussing his son’s progress, Ted and Janet met for the very first time. What began as a simple conversation blossomed into a beautiful love story that lasted more than 42 years. Together they built a home centered on faith, family, laughter, and unconditional love.

Janet was a devoted wife to Ted, a loving mother to Greg Williams, and a caring stepmother to Scott Brand and Candy Parker. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her seven grandchildren: Maverick, Memphis, Marley, Moxie, Gracie, Matthew, and Emily. She celebrated each of them with immense pride, prayed for them faithfully, and loved them without reservation.

Janet never met a stranger. Whether you had known her for years or had just met her, she had a remarkable way of making you feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer honest advice, or simply listen. You always knew where you stood with Janet because she spoke with honesty, grace, and love.

A faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Perry, Janet quietly lived out her faith each day. Her life reflected kindness, generosity, integrity, and a genuine love for others. Even after retiring from the classroom, her heart for service continued through her work on the Perry School Board and her ongoing investment in the community she loved.

Janet’s legacy cannot be measured by awards or accomplishments alone. It is found in the hundreds of students she encouraged, the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless acts of kindness she extended throughout her life. Her influence will continue to be felt for generations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Wanda Adams.

She is survived by her devoted husband of more than 42 years, Ted Brand; her son, Greg Williams, of Bixby, Oklahoma; her stepchildren, Scott Brand, of Mustang, Oklahoma, and Candy Parker and her husband, Micah, of Mustang, Oklahoma; her brother, Larry Adams; her seven beloved grandchildren—Maverick, Memphis, Marley, Moxie, Gracie, Matthew, and Emily; and many extended family members, former students, and dear friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing her.

Though our hearts are broken, we rejoice in knowing that Janet has heard the words she lived her life to honor:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages everyone to honor Janet’s memory by showing kindness to a child, encouraging a teacher, helping a neighbor, or extending grace to someone in need—just as she did throughout her life.  Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, elevator fund in c/o Dighton-Marler Funeral Home, P.O.Box 189, Perry, Ok., 73077.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, at the First Baptist Church in Perry, followed by burial at Grace Hill Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family via our online guestbook at www.dightonmarler.com.