Episcopal Supervisor Rev. Carolyn Elizabeth Irvin Brailsford is a native of Valdosta, GA, and serves the 20th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Married to Bishop Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr., she served as the Minister of Music and Worship Arts at Bethel A.M.E Church in Columbia, SC as he pastored 24 years. Previously, she served on the faculty of Spelman College (Atlanta, GA), and Allen University (Columbia, SC) as Choral Directress and Instructor of Music. She is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, GA where she earned a Bachelorʼs Degree in Music; and an Honors graduate of Indiana University (Bloomington) where she earned a Master of Music Degree with Distinction in Vocal Performance. She did further studies in the area of Ethnomusicology at Indiana University. Affectionately called "Rev. Carolyn", she is an Ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. 

 

As Episcopal Supervisor of the Triumphant Twentieth Episcopal District, Rev. Carolyn has been a champion for education, leading the Women’s Missionary Society in the premiere Education Project with Sarah’s Scholars providing  over 200 tuitions fees for young girls, young women (and a few young men) in primary and secondary schools, college and professional schools. Also 19,000 exercise notebooks and other extensive school supplies have been provided for the 28 AME Church schools in Malawi, and the 7 schools in Zimbabwe. She also serves as as leader for the YPDers, Ministers Spouses, and the Women in Ministry.  

 

The first Miss Black Valdosta, Rev. Carolyn is a national recording artist, songwriter, and preacher of the Gospel, who ministers as Psalmist/ Vocal Artist, speaker, teacher of vocal workshops for adults and youths, and presenter on the special topic of Praise and Worship. Her dynamic singing ministry and teaching/ preaching style keep her active as a speaker for Women's Events, Music Conferences, retreats, and revivals. 

 

From Classical to Contemporary Christian/Gospel, Rev. Carolyn's gift of song has made room for her on many diverse stages. She has performed for noted dignitaries and shared the stage with music legends, including Opera Legend, Leontyne Price, Robert Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, DAVID and Tamala Mann, CeCe Winans, Bobby Jones, Kirk Franklin, John P. Kee, Norman Hutchins, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Dottie Peoples, and Luther Barnes. Her singing ministry has also taken her to many countries and across continents including Jamaica, the Bahamas, Bermuda, several countries in Southern Africa, and the East to West Coasts of the U.S.A. 

 

Rev. Carolyn has been extensively recognized and honored. She was featured in the State Newspaper (Columbia) on several occasions, as well as several magazines. Her many awards include The South Carolina House of Representatives Honors and Commendation; the March of Dimes African American Achievement Award; Woman of Valor (Allen University); Legendary Gospel Musician and Master Clinician (Benedict College Harambee Festival); SC Baptist Convention Music Auxiliary Presidential State Music Legend Award; the Renaissance Foundation Gospel Heritage Legacy Award, which was presented by Gospel legend, Dr. Bobby Jones. 

 

In 1992, Rev. Carolyn established the CaBrailSong School of Vocal Arts, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit youth organization in Atlanta, GA. With their move to Columbia, SC the following year, it was reestablished as an arm of outreach ministry for Bethel A.M.E. Church. Created for children, youths, and young adults, many gifted singers have gone on to achieve great success spiritually and in their vocal skills and gifts through college scholarships and recordings. The impact of CaBrailSong teachings has been profound, and has even been shared abroad in Bermuda, where fifty youths participated in a Summer Singing Experience, with over twenty of them giving their lives to Christ! 

 

Celebrating 36 years of blessed marriage and ministry, Supervisor Carolyn and Bishop Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr.are the proud parents of three children: Veronica-Carol, Ronnie, Jr., and David; and grandparents of three beautiful granddaughters—Harper, Kyndall, Gracen, and one most handsome grandson, Dawson. These Magnificent Seven are the apple of their eyes! To GOD be the glory!