Carmilla Brinkley

Carmilla Ware Brinkley was born August 6, 1948 to Paul C. Ware, Sr. and Gussie Spearman Ware in Dalton, GA. She was the 11th of 15 children and the last Georgian born child before their move to Indianapolis, IN.

Camilla accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Beulah Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN. She served as the church Sunday school secretary from early teens until she left for college. She was also very active in the youth choirs and Christmas plays at the church. Carmilla completed her elementary school education at George Washington Carver School NO. 87 and attended Crispus Attucks High School where she excelled in a number of areas including: Math Club, Cheerleading, Horizon Club, Tigerama, National Honor Society, president, Red Cross Club, assistant secretary, Letterman’s Queen, Yearbbook Staff, Intramural Activities, Science Institute at Kentucky State College, Citizenship and Leadership Awards, and Honor Roll. She graduated salutatorian of her high school Class of ’66 and was awarded a four year scholarship to Purdue University. Carmilla graduated from Purdue University in 1970 and obtained her degrees in psychology and computer technology. She was a chartered member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Upon graduation from university, she was a computer programmer for Indiana Bell for several years.

During that time, she fell in love and married Roger Keith Brinkley on March 17, 1973 at St. John Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN. From this union, they were blessed with three children; Keith Eric Brinkley, Raya Carmin Brinkley, and LaDonna Gail Brinkley. Carmilla was a devoted mother and wife who loved her family. Carmilla and her family relocated from Indianapolis to Upstate NY in 1988 where she excelled as a computer programmer and educator. She also taught computer classes at St. Bonaventure University in Allegheny, NY.

Upon relocating to Greenville, SC, Carmilla obtained a MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2010. She and her husband eventually retired in Greenville, where she was a beloved member and elder at Mattoon Presbyterian Church. Carmilla enjoyed roller skating, playing scrabble, cards and most board games. She loved food and travel, but most of importantly her faith in God was paramount in her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Paul C. and Gussie Ware, and siblings, Paul, Nathaniel, Charlotte, Dorothy, Spearman, William, Joseph, Daniel, Robert, Sarah and Janet.

Carmilla is survived by her husband, Roger Brinkley; children, Keith and Ladonna; her two grandsons, Jaiden and Jeremiah; and three of her 14 siblings, Gussie Carter (Sam), David Ware, and Matthew Ware (Noreen); as well as four generations of nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Friday, July 29, 2022 at beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Mattoon Presbyterian Church in Greenville.

To plant a tree in memory of Carmilla Brinkley, please visit our Tribute Store.