Donna Elaine Johnson Brandt, 72, of Elon, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2017. She was the devoted mother to Braz Brandt and Whitney Brandt. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, the late Franklin Whit and Pearl S. Johnson. Mother was a strong-willed woman and an avid dog lover. She touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with, whether it was through her gift of teaching or her candid humor. As a child, she played the violin in church while her sister, Marie, played piano. Mother also had the pleasure of taking one of her classes of students to Spain for a foreign language trip, which is unquestionably one of her fondest memories. Donna is also survived by her sister, Marie Hodges; her two children, Braz Brandt and Whitney (Brandt) Gregory; two granddaughters, Emma and Sarah Brandt; and three grandsons, Brandt, Lee, and Layne Gregory. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 14, 2017, at Whitten Monelison Chapel, Madison Heights. A graveside service will be held at Fort Hill Memorial Park, Saturday, April 15, 2017, at 10 a.m. The family would like to thank the exceptional staff at Runk & Pratt, Forest and Liberty Ridge, as well as those with Seven Hills Hospice, for going above and beyond with their care of Donna. Moreover, the family is overwhelmed by the love provided by Destiny House during Mother's last days. The gift from God that this community of caregivers share each day is abundant and too often thankless. In lieu of flowers the family would like you to consider memorial contributions to Amherst Humane Society. Your kindness would make Mother smile. Whitten Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Monelison Chapel is serving the family.