Dr. Leah D. Brundidge

On September 30, 1993, a radiant light named Leah Denise Brundidge entered the world. From the very moment she arrived, her parents, Eddie and Sybil Brundidge, were filled with immeasurable love. Their hearts overflowed with joy, and their world instantly began to revolve around the sweet, shy, soft-spoken little girl.

Leah’s laughter soon became the soundtrack of their home, and her curiosity and charm filled every corner with life. Just when it seemed their hearts couldn’t hold any more love, Leah was given one of her most treasured gifts—a baby sister named Moriah. With Moriah’s arrival, Leah’s world grew even brighter, and the Brundidge family’s story became richer, fuller, and more beautiful.

Together, Eddie, Sybil, Leah, and Moriah—the dynamic SMLE team—stepped forward into life’s journey, surrounded by an outpouring of love, a joyful village of family and friends, and a home rooted in the warmth of God’s love. Their story is one of love, laughter, and unwavering faith—a family that faces the world hand in hand.

Upon being informed that Leah would be born, her grandparents were filled with excitement. We can only imagine the heavenly celebration that took place on June 25, 2025, as Leah was received into eternal rest by God reconnecting her with her maternal grandparents—Annie Kate and Josephus Rich; her paternal grandparents—Nealie Muriel and Willie C. Brundidge; as well as her grand-godnana—Minnie Stallworth, all of whom preceded her in death.

Leah’s spiritual journey began when she accepted Christ as a child and was baptized at Jackson Street Baptist Church in Jackson, AL. She never took her faith for granted—it guided her every step throughout life. No matter where she traveled or resided, she always found a faith community to connect with to stay grounded in her faith journey. In Troy, AL - she joined St. Paul AME Church; in Mississippi - she attended West Point Baptist Church; in Atlanta, GA - she became a member of House of Hope Church; and while living in Texas - she attended Oak Cliff Church.

Leah’s love for learning began early at Preschool Unlimited in Jackson, Alabama, where she also found a lifelong treasure—a best friend, Amber Stallworth. Her educational journey continued through the halls of T.R. Miller High School, where she graduated in 2012. With determination and grace, Leah soared to academic heights, earning her bachelor’s degree in 2016, master’s degree in 2018, and her doctoral degree in 2022—all by the remarkable age of 29, as a proud graduate of Troy University.

She was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., initiating on April 24, 2017. Leah embraced the sisterhood with her whole heart, serving as Recording Secretary (2018–2020), Vice President (2020–2022), and co-chair of the Physical and Mental Health Committee, where she led wellness seminars, organized blood drives, and hosted walking challenges. She also mentored young girls through the Educational Development Committee and served as Primary Advisor to the Nu Theta Chapter at Troy University. At the time of her passing, she was an active member of the Decatur Alumnae Chapter.

Leah’s life was marked by a legacy of excellence and leadership that shone brightly both in the classroom and on the playing field. A true student-athlete, she poured her heart into every sport she played—basketball, softball, volleyball, and track—leading teams that proudly competed at the State level. Among her many accomplishments, Leah helped bring home State Championships as part of T.R. Miller’s 2009 and 2010 track teams and the 2009 basketball team. Her passion and determination carried her to Troy University, where she earned a spot on the Trojans softball team from 2013 to 2016. There, she made her mark with grit and grace, playing in more than 200 games and rising among the all-time leaders in hits and stolen bases. Leah’s presence on and off the field inspired her teammates and left a lasting imprint on the Trojan legacy.

Leah’s professional journey was as inspiring as her academic and athletic ones. She began her career serving her beloved Troy University as the Athletics Director of Compliance and as an adjunct instructor, pouring into the next generation of student-athletes. Her path later led her to the University of Southern Mississippi, where she continued her work in leadership as Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance. Always driven to grow and make an impact, Leah also expanded her talents into the pharmaceutical industry, serving as a Senior Field Sales Development Representative with Boehringer Ingelheim.

Leah’s passion for equity and education fueled her life’s work in higher education, where she became a tireless advocate for student success—especially for students of color and first-generation scholars. As a gifted presenter and published researcher, her voice and work left a lasting mark on the field, with contributions featured in respected journals like the Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and NASPA publications.

To know Leah was to love and admire her. Her radiant smile and sweet spirit made others feel seen, heard, and valued. In her 31 beautiful years, Leah filled countless hearts with love, laughter, and memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Those who knew Leah best loved her most—and will forever speak her name with love. Cherishing her memory always are her devoted parents, Sybil and Eddie Brundidge, and her beloved sister, Moriah Brundidge. She was treasured by her Grand-Godpapa, William Stallworth, and her God-sister and brother, Michal (Ryan) Lewis and Wesley Stallworth. Her life was richly blessed by the love of aunts and uncles who helped shape her journey: Charlie (Mary Jo) Brundidge, Christine Blackmon, David Rich, Earnest (Mary Helen) Daniels, Ernestine Howard, Gladys (Jimmy Wayne) Crenshaw, Jerome (Hazel) Blackmon, John (Carolyn) Brundidge, Katie Maye, Kenneth Ray (Joyce) Rich, Philip (Connie) Rich, and Willie Gene (Denise) Rich. At her side through life’s joys and journeys was her best friend for life, Amber Stallworth, along with an abundance of loving cousins, cherished friends, and a host of adoring relatives.