Syble T. Brakefield

July 26, 1928 - November 10, 2013

Syble Brakefield embraced every moment life had to offer and saw each day as a precious gift to be treasured. She embraced the love of her family above all else and spent a lifetime making cherished memories, which will be forever etched in the hearts of all those she leaves behind.

Syble Brakefield, age 85, of Pinson, AL, died on November 10, 2013. She was born in Akron, Ohio, July 26, 1928. For several years as a child, she played the violin in the Akron Children's Symphony. When she was 15 years of age, her family moved to Alabama where she resided until her death. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Leroy and Gena Burns Thrasher; sister, Bettie Jean Lormand; granddaughter, Faith Michelle Bailey. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Howard Russell Brakefield; daughters, Jeanne Gaffney (Ed) of Hoover, Cathy Bailey (Ray) of Pinson; son, Jim Brakefield (Marian) of Pinson; nephew, Kelvin Lormand (Kandy) of Leeds; grandchildren, Tracy Hilton (Tim), Amy Gregory (Brian), Linzy Brakefield, Wesley Brakefield, Adam Bailey; great-grandchildren, Brianna Brakefield, Kaeden Duke, Barrett Gregory, Anamaia Goswami, and Chloe Brakefield.

Syble was a beautiful person, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She dedicated her life to her family by working tirelessly serving them all the days of her life. She had an infectious laugh that made everyone around her smile. She was a very spiritual person and a long-time member of Gardendale's First Baptist Church where she touched many lives. Syble loved to play the piano and filling the house with music. She loved dancing a jig when the family got together as she was cooking. Traveling was also something Syble and Russell enjoyed together; they took many trips to the Smoky Mountains, as well as the Alabama beaches. Syble eventually moved from their longtime family home in Pinson, Alabama to East Glen Nursing and Rehab facility in Birmingham. It didn’t take her long to win the hearts of all the staff and residents there, and she will surely be missed by them, as well as her family and a host of friends. Special thanks to East Glen Nursing and Rehab and Evercare Hospice for their love for Ms. Brakefield.

Viewing for Ms. Brakefield will be held at Ridouts Trussville, Wednesday, November 13, 2013 from 10 to 11 am. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am. Funeral Home, address: 1500 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham, AL 35235. Burial at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL.