Vernetta J. “Neats” Brandow, 98, of Port Charlotte, Florida, was raised upon eagle’s wings and presented to the Lord on Monday, December 30, 2013 in Port Charlotte.

She was born Vernetta Elizabeth Jenkins in Carrolltown, Pennsylvania on February 20, 1915, to Arthur and Demaris (nee – Burley) Jenkins. Although born in Carrolltown, Vernetta was raised in Patton, PA and graduated from Patton High School at age 16. After leaving the small town of Patton for New York City, “Neats” as Vernetta was nicknamed, worked in the garment district on Madison Avenue for a time. She learned about fashion design and used what she learned to her advantage. She became a very elegant, fashionable young woman. Her next work experience was with the Department of the Navy where she met and married Lt. Cdr. Henry W. “Bill” Brandow.

Their travels as a Navy family began on Guam, from 1947 – 1949. Lt. Cdr. Brandow was one of two bankers in the Navy at the time and was assigned to the Bank of Guam as Manager and Cashier. Neats enjoyed the island and other young Navy wives, joining in the social life as an officer’s wife. Vernetta had many opportunities as an officer’s wife to do a lot of entertaining; she was a very popular hostess creating many fun gatherings. She exuded great style and knew how to dress for any occasion. Vernetta enjoyed traveling and visited many countries where she further explored her great sense of fashion. Vernetta also had a great passion for animals and owned many cats and dogs at different times over her life.

While living in Virginia in the 1950’s, she worked for the Pentagon and was a secretary to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, maintaining at Top Secret Clearance. When she lived in Hawaii for three years, she volunteered for the Grey Ladies who worked at Tripler Army Hospital. The Brandows were later stationed in London for two years. They attended very formal affairs connected with Englands Royal Family. Vernetta loved London and enjoyed antiquing in all the places she lived. Over the years, she acquired many wonderful treasures from her travels. After moving several more times for new duty stations (the last being the 8th Naval District in New Orleans), Captain Brandow retired from the Navy and settled in a previous favorite duty station, Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1970. While in Albuquerque, Vernetta worked for several years at the Regional FAA Ofice, the VA Hospital and the Kirtland Hospital as the hospital Commander’s secretary. She retired in 1983. After living 30 years in Albuquerque, NM, Vernetta, moved to Port Charlotte, with her daughter Karen in 2009. Vernetta was a lovely, classy lady which was obvious to everyone from the first moment they met her. Neats was a special lady who loved and gave generously. She will be forever missed by all who loved her.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Sanchez of Port Charlotte; son, Henry W. (Heidi) Brandow III of Reno, NV; seven grandchildren, Arthur Caetano, Carla Caetano, Scott Caetano, Tracy (Darlene) Caetano, Charlotte (Chuck) Coniglio, Henry W. “Bill” Brandow IV, and Paige E. (Shawn) Kosderka; and eleven great grandchildren. Vernetta was preceded in death by her husband Bill in 1978.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Vernetta’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at St. Charles Borromeo in Port Charlotte.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.