Constance June (O’Connell) Bratton Hart
Constance June (O’Connell) Bratton Hart passed away on Jan. 23, 2024. She was born on Dec. 11, 1940 to Harold Kenneth O’Connell and Gladys Armilda (Benton) O’Connell. Connie’s younger childhood was spent moving from place to place due to her dad’s profession as a welder, but the family settled in Eureka. Connie graduated from Eureka High School in 1959. She met Edmond Wayne Bratton during her Senior year and the two were married on Aug. 28, 1959. Eddie and Connie were happily married for 38 years before Eddie passed away from cancer in 1998.
Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed raising their 3 children, going on camping trips, fishing, watching ball games and vacationing with family. Connie valued her relationship with the Lord after accepting Jesus as her Savior in 1978. She was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church in El Dorado where she helped with various ministries. Her love for the Lord was evident and extended to her family. She showed that love by being willing to help them in any way she could. Many family members were touched by her generosity and are grateful for her testimony.
Connie was an incredible artist and excelled in many different mediums. Her home was filled with drawings and prints but mostly paintings. Connie had a very unique and beautiful style of painting that shows in each piece of art. From landscape to portrait to abstract she was able to capture the attention of all who viewed her work. Connie was asked to contribute to the mural on display in the Butler County Courthouse foyer. She also spent many hours painting large murals at Temple Baptist Church for Vacation Bible Schools, Ladies Events and even on the walls of classrooms. Through her talent and creativity, Connie inspired her family, many of whom have explored their artistic abilities. In 2009, Connie married Walter Hart and gained a step-daughter, Trisha (Darrell) Brown and 2 step-grandchildren, Beau Long & Brooke Fair. The two enjoyed a wonderful 2 years of marriage until Walt passed away from leukemia in December of 2011.
Connie is preceded in death by her parents, Harold & Gladys, brother-in-law Allan Gene Whipple, son Jeffery Dean Bratton and granddaughter Mariah Lynn Bratton.
Connie is survived by her 3 siblings: Collene Kay Whipple, Sharon Ann (Craig) Walter, Timothy Jay (Kathy) O’Connell, her daughters: Tammy Rae Bridges, Christa Kay (Mike) Spencer, grandchildren: Christie Ellanna Bridges, Ryan Wayne (Nola) Weyrauch, Rebecca Rae (James) King, Stephen Tyler Walker, Rachel Marie Spencer, Rene Rizelle (Collin) Jackson, Brandon (Kaysha) Burgdorf, Alex Burgdorf and Brock Burgdorf, as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Her celebration of life was held at Temple Baptist Church in El Dorado on Monday, Jan. 29 with a viewing at 11 a.m., her funeral at 12 p.m. and burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Eureka thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Temple Baptist Church in her name.