Funeral services for this retired educator will be celebrated at the Goodwill Baptist Church Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 11:00 a. m. There will be no wake. The remains will lie in state at the church from 9:00 a. m. Tuesday morning until service time. Burial will follow in Lawrence Serenity Sanctum.

A beautiful life came to a close on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 5:05 p.m. at Natchitoches Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Always in obedience to God, Mrs. Alta Mae Breazeale Gant answered His call, took wings and arrived at her Heavenly Father's Prepared Mansion.

Alta was born on February 5, 1917 to the parentage of Mrs. Sarah Lawrence Breazeale and Mr. Earnest Breazeale in Lake End, Louisiana, Red River Parish. Her parents and her only sibling, a brother, Antoine, predeceased her.

Always eager to learn, Alta was an astute scholar and after graduation from high school, she began an illustrious teaching career in both Red River and Natchitoches Parishes. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education by traveling to Grambling College on week-ends and during the summer to gain her teaching credentials. In 1949, Alta completed her coursework and received her college diploma from President R. W. E. Jones, President of Grambling College. Alta worked at many of the rural schools in the then segregated school system. She knew how to multi-task quite well, often serving as school principal and planning school lunch menus for the school children, in addition to her teaching duties. She taught in the communities of Allen, Cane River, and ultimately retired from G. W. Parks Elementary School as a fourth grade teacher.

Alta always encouraged her students to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. Many of her former students spoke fondly of her influence when they returned to Natchitoches to visit. Those students who remained as local residents would often stop by her home to visit with her and share fond memories.

One of the highlights of her life was her return to Grambling State University to observe her fiftieth year class reunion. She had the opportunity to sit with President William Jefferson Clinton as he delivered the commencement address and her grandson Jerald was a member of the "World Famed Tiger Marching Band" at the same ceremony. She was able to meet and greet former classmates and friends for a week-end filled with activities and fond memories.

Always one to become involved in her community, Alta was a member of Retired Senior Volunteers of Natchitoches Parish, Neighborhood Watch, Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, and served on numerous committees throughout the city.

Alta always began her day and ended her day with prayers to God. She prayed for her family, her community, her church and finally for herself. She was a diligent and faithful worker in Goodwill Baptist Church where she also served as Church Secretary for over fifty years. She often spearheaded the church anniversary committee, but worked in any capacity where she was needed. She served several terms as President of the Ladies Guild (Mission Department).
Alta led by example when it came to appropriate church attire. She even contributed hosiery to be provided to young ladies for church services.

Alta was married to Mr. Obie Gant for over 53 years. He passed away in February, 2002. To this union two sons were born: Bernard Dale Gant, Sr. of Houston, Texas, and Jerald Ray Gant, Sr. (Debra) of Natchitoches, Louisiana. Her love and devotion was reciprocated by her Special Daughter and companion, Betty Daniels. Mrs. Pearl Henry Payne was always the classmate, cousin and sister whose life was intertwined with Alta's. She was blessed with three grandchildren: Bernard Dale Gant, Jr. (Priscilla) of Bowie, Maryland, Jerald Ray Gant, Jr. (Kirsten), of Spring, Texas, and Sarah Ali'ce Gant of Marksville, Louisiana. Great-grandchildren are as follows: Ashley Spain of Grand Fork,North Dakota, Mozelle Gant, Obed Gant, Bernard Dale Gant, III, and Jaylen Ri'Chard Gant. Hazel Gant of Madera, California is her surviving sister-in-law. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will also miss this gentle and loving person.