Amanda Brazelton

Amanda Brazelton, a remarkable woman whose heart was as wide as her enduring faith, entered into eternal rest on December 14, 2024. Born to Henry and Martha Ridgill in Manning, South Carolina, she lived a life characterized by devotion, love, and service.

After graduating from Manning Training School, Amanda courageously migrated to Akron, Ohio. Two years later, she completed her secretarial studies at Actual Business College and paved the way as the first African American stenographer at the Girl Scout Headquarters. It was in Akron where she met and married Ambrose Brazelton. Out of this union were born two children, Carl and Leslie.

A career opportunity for Ambrose took the family to Columbus, Ohio where Amanda's commitment to community and church life blossomed. Her devout passion for her faith reached new heights as she completed biblical leadership courses and was ordained as an Exhorter in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. This journey with God was the cornerstone of her life as she practiced her deep devotion to Jesus Christ at various churches in the city including Redemer AMEZ, Columbus Bibleway Church, and most recently Rhema Christian Center.

Amanda overflowed with kindness and wisdom often offering a home-cooked meal and a listening ear to any who might need it. A fierce protector and loving mother, she had a wit that often brought smiles to others. If she wasn't tending to her thriving garden, you could find her volunteering at local schools or engaging in community service groups.

Preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Martha Ridgill; husband, Ambrose E. Brazelton; infant grandson, Carl E. Brazelton, Jr.; brothers, James (Booker) Ridgill, Matthew Ridgill, Kenneth Ridgill; and sister, Ruby Bramlett.

Amanda's legacy of love is carried forward by her children, Carl (Alex) Brazelton and Leslie (Charles) Brazelton-Stith; sisters, Alma Strong, Manzie Ridgill, Patsy Mitchell, Sandra (Rev. Claudie) Williams, and Gwen (Albert) Edwards; brother, Castine (Elizabeth) Ridgill; sisters-in-law Savannah Ridgill and Fay Ridgill; grandchildren, Amber (Brent) Coleman, Rudolph (Leslie) Polk, III, Christopher (Marie Kim) Brazelton, Joseph (Sharlene) Brazelton; extended grandchildren, Ariyah Wallace, Andre Wallace, and Jeremiah Wallace; great granddaughters, Aminah Coleman, Layla Coleman, and Alea Brazelton; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, forever friends, and great grand puppy Triton.

Her grace and steadfast spirit will continue to light our paths as illuminated by one of her favorite scripture verses from Psalms 27, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear..."