Sophia A. Thrash-Brooks 1933-2025

Born March 27, 1933, to John Sullivan Sr. (Lauretta) and Elizabeth Thrash-Dawson (Webster), Sophia was reared by her grandparents, Nemiah and Caroline Thrash, in the Brier Hill community.

She was married to Alton P. Brooks Sr. for over 50 years until his passing in 2007. The union had three children, Darrolyn, Cherol and Alton Jr.

Sophia’s life has been a remarkable journey of breaking barriers, sharing her musical gifts and serving her community with unwavering dedication, creating a legacy that future generations will remember.

She was a native of Youngstown and graduated from South High School. She also attended Youngstown State University, Dana School of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music, receiving classical training that would prepare her for a lifetime of musical experience.

She received an honorary doctorate in sacred music from the Christian International Bible College.

She was the first local female to hold a paid media position with WKBN as the community affairs director and host of the weekly program “Expressions” for 14 years and a co-host of Homeplate in the “Metro Monthly” local news and events magazine. She was a vocal instructor for children as early as 11 years of age. In 2008, she released a CD, “Coming Out,” composed of negro spirituals, with Maestro Wilbert Ervin. Also, that same year she established the Sophia and Al Brooks Scholarship at Youngstown State University for minority students.

Her faith journey started at an early age at Antioch Baptist Church. She was baptized early in life, and at age 9, she was playing the piano and directing the church choirs. That was the beginning of her life’s service unto God. Throughout her young adult years, she worshipped at Phillips Chapel CME and Centenary United Methodist Churches before joining Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church in 1974, serving for over 50 years; beyond membership, she loved the Lord and walked in the spirit, allowing God to direct her path. She traveled throughout Europe with the late Bishop Norman Wagner for three years as part of a ministry team. She devoted time to the Needle’s Eye Christian counseling and tutorial ministry for over 20 years. She is no stranger to the local church community; she was one of the first African American paid professional soloists in the Youngstown area churches and community choirs. For years, she was a soloist at First Presbyterian Church, St. John Episcopal Church and First Christian Church of Youngstown.

Another musical passion and her love for the arts found her involved with the Youngstown Playhouse, performing in plays. She was a soloist and the assistant director for the internationally renowned choir, “Wings Over Jordan,” traveling with them for three years throughout the United States. She was the last living original singer. Among her career achievements as a soprano classical musician, she served as a soloist with the Youngstown Symphony Chorus. She was in the Dumbar Corral Club Black Vocal Ensemble. She was fluent in singing in five languages.

Her contribution to her community has not gone unnoticed. She was honored at the Butler Institute of American Art’s “Highlights in Black” exhibit, receiving recognition from both the Youngstown Junior Women’s League and the Junior Civic League in Youngstown.

Recognized as one of Youngstown’s WKBN “Remarkable Woman,” Sophia also was honored by the 100 Plus Foundation for making such a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She was featured in the YW African American History Magazine. She received the lifetime achievement award from the Christian International Bible College. Also, she received proclamations and other awards, was an active member of the 100 Plus Foundation and a member of the NAACP. She was a lifetime honorary member of the Beta Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma.

She loved dancing, skating, Westerns, shopping, glamor, and most of all, spending time with her family. When she was able, she enjoyed going to the YMCA for water aerobics and swimming.

Her family, who affectionately referred to her as “Motherdear,” will always cherish her memory in their hearts. Her legacy will live on in her children, Cherol and Alton Jr.; siblings, Novell Sullivan and Cecilia Welborn; grandchildren, Tamara, Andre (Angie), Rashan Sr., Andre’a (Kevin), Philip (MacKenzie), Nathan (Valerie), Aaliyah (Nyiesha), Alanna, Saniyah and Adrienne; great-grandchildren, Darrian Sr., Porsche, Rashan Jr., Kelly, Ahmari, Shamar, Malachi, Carter and Keivunia; great-great-grandchildren, Aaron, Giselle, Darrian Jr., “Like a daughter,” Joyce Jones, Barbara Daniels and Deborah Carpenter; sisters in Christ, Vern Alt, Loris McCullum, Anner Harden and Jacquie Hays; her namesake, Sophia B. Colvin; and a host of family and friends, including aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; her sisters, Gwendolyn Dawson and Dolores Smith; brother, John Sullivan Jr.; daughter, Darrolyn Bell; and grandson, Juaquin Bell.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, with calling hours at 10 a.m., at Greater Friendship Baptist Church, 646 Lakewood Ave. Youngstown, OH 44502.

(special notice)