Meta Alice Keith Bratten

1926 - 2007

Meta Alice Keith Bratten, 81, a wife, mother and friend to so many, died peacefully Thursday evening, Oct. 18, 2007, at her home.
Memorial service: 2 p.m. Sunday in the sanctuary of St. Stephen Presbyterian Church. A reception will be held immediately afterward in the Eastminster Room at the church.
Memorials: Consideration of contributions, in lieu of flowers, is suggested in memory of Meta Alice to the St. Stephen Kitchen Fund or the St. Stephen Special Music Fund, 2700 McPherson Ave., Fort Worth 76109; Kappa Alpha Theta sorority; The Hockaday School; or Amon G. Carter Museum.
Born in Wichita Falls on July 11, 1926, Meta Alice always considered Abilene her hometown where she graduated from Abilene High School, formed many lifelong friendships, and drove her classmates around the town taking full advantage of a hardship license acquired at an early age. She attended Hockaday Junior College during which time her parents moved to Fort Worth, building the home in which her daughter and son-in-law now reside. Attending the University of Texas at Austin, she was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Meta Alice returned to Fort Worth and married John E. Bratten on May 28, 1954, at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church. She became very active in the local Theta chapter, serving in many advisory positions at TCU. Most of her time was dedicated to her children’s schools where she lovingly contributed her skills as a seamstress in order to outfit their classrooms. She spoiled her daughter, Adelaide, with one-of-a-kind Easter dresses and school clothes. Leadership roles in the PTA were a priority for her as well.
She was best known for her bright smile that could warm any heart. She never met a stranger, boasting an aptitude for befriending any visitor to her church, neighborhood or civic organization. Even near the end, medical caretakers always commented on the warmth of her smile.
Meta Alice was completely committed to her church life at St. Stephen Presbyterian. She was one of the organizers of the archives room, a formidable task considering the long history of the congregation. Ever-present in the kitchen and as a member of the Presbyterian Women, she and her husband, John, also served behind the scenes straightening hymnals and sharpening pencils in the pews in preparation for larger services. This was the impetus of the Martha Guild, which continues to tidy the sanctuary and narthex after Sunday services.
Following her husband’s retirement, Meta Alice and John traveled the world with Elderhostel and local tour groups visiting Turkey, Yellowstone, Canada, the Northeast, and many trips to her beloved Scotland where her ashes will be scattered.
To celebrate her 80th birthday, her family treated her to a weekend in Wisconsin to watch the Green Bay Packers play at Lambeau Field. Cheese head in tow, she donned a bright yellow coat and green turtleneck to cheer on Brett Favre and her favorite team to victory. The most enjoyable moment for her family had to be seeing the tears of joy well up in her eyes as she first approached the stadium.
Meta Alice was preceded in death by her husband, John who died earlier this year; and her parents, Winifred and Calvin Keith.
Survivors: Son, Keith Bratten; daughter and son-in-law, Adelaide and Tom Leavens; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.