Supervisor Carolyn Elizabeth Irvin Brailsford

Rev. Carolyn Elizabeth Irvin Brailsford is the Episcopal Supervisor of the
Tenth (Totally Texas!) Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church, and is an ordained Itinerant Elder. A native of Valdosta, GA (she was the
first Miss Black Valdosta), Supervisor Brailsford received her vocal training at
Spelman College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Magna Cum Laude; and Indiana
University (IU) at Bloomington with a Master of Music Degree, With Distinction. She
undertook further studies in Ethnomusicology while at IU.

Prior to serving in the Tenth Episcopal District, she served in the
Triumphant Twentieth Episcopal District and launched The WMS Education
Project with Sarah’s Scholars, a collaboration with the Sixth Episcopal District
North Atlanta Conference WMS. This education initiative in Malawi and Zimbabwe
provided tuition for over 100 students in primary, secondary, and professional
schools. Additionally, she and Bishop Brailsford raised funds for school supplies for
over 20,000 students in the 35 AME Church schools. She involved the missionaries
in three Medical Health Initiatives that were brought to the District, which served
over 11,000 people with dental, eye, dermatology and general health exams and
services. She and Bishop provided funds and food for disaster relief for over 2,500
families. In addition, the United Methodist Church and Africa University
partnership was started in August, 2020, and provides $700,000 of four year full
scholarships for 32 students.

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Supervisor Brailsford also served in the Noble Nineteenth Episcopal
District in South Africa where she provided outstanding leadership for their
exceptional WMS and YPD (who often ministered in song with her); the Women In
Ministry and MSWAWO, for which she and Bishop Brailsford inspired and
organized the powerful Family Enrichment Seminar series for both clergy and lay
families. Supervisor Brailsford was the creative force and organizer for “A Taste of
Africa”, the night of entertainment for the Global Development Council 2024 in
Johannesburg, South Africa, where leaders of the global AME church were treated
to African cuisine, African fashions, choral music, dance, and a Spiritual Experience
not to be forgotten!

An accomplished musician, Supervisor Brailsford has served on the
faculties of Spelman College (14 years), and Allen University as Vocal Instructor,
Choir Directress, and Instructor of African American Music, a class which she
initiated at both institutions. She also served as Minister of Music & Worship Arts
and Choir Directress at Bethel AME Church (Columbia, SC), from which Bishop
Brailsford was elected. She was Founder of the highly recognized CaBrailSong

School of Vocal Arts, a life-changing ministry of spiritual enrichment, vocal
training, and choral experiences for hundreds of youths and young adults for over
24 years.

A Spirit-filled Worship Leader and Recording Artist, Supervisor
Brailsford has performed extensively in the United States, and internationally in the
Caribbeans and on the continent of Africa. She has shared the stage with the Atlanta
Symphony Orchestra, Leontyne Price, David and Tamala Mann, CeCe Winans,
Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Norman Hutchins, and many
others.

When not traveling, Supervisor Brailsford enjoys spending time with her
husband of 41 years, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr.; their three
children, Veronica-Carol, Ronnie Jr., and David; and their seven grandchildren,
Harper, Kyndal, Gracen, Dawson, Roman, Brendan, and Kai David.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY; GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!  (Updated 12/20/24)