Ambrose Brodus

Public Walk-thru viewing: 5:00 PM ~ 7:00 PM.  on Wednesday, October 7, 2020.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic limits, the Funeral Service will be by invitation from family on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Bethel Baptist Church. Please wear a mask.

Ambrose Brodus, Jr., was born January 6, 1925, to the late Ambrose Brodus, Sr., and Pinkie Brodus, the youngest of seven siblings, residing in Minden, Louisiana. He and his siblings were raised in love and guidance, which was his foundation for the man he was to become.

Ambrose completed his formal education in Minden and went on to join the United States Army. He was very proud to serve his country, especially during a time when there was segregation. Being a part of historical World War II prompted him to author a book, “A Dastardly Act,” in 2018, wherein he addressed the obvious differential treatment of “Colored Soldiers” verses White soldiers, even though they were defending the same country. Ambrose, along with 5,000 other African-American soldiers, volunteered to serve in the first integrated combat infantry to fulfill a need in the frontline combat in France. This was ordered by General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Out of that group of 5,000 African-American soldiers, Ambrose was a part of the 2,221 that were utilized. He became a part of the 19th Armored Infantry Battalion Company No 4. During this time, he had the distinct honor of fighting under the direction of General George S. Patton. On November 5, 1945, Ambrose was honorably discharged with the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star!

Ambrose married his high school sweetheart, Lois, on March 28, 1969. They resided in San Diego, giving love and family values to all who came across their path! They held many Christmas, Thanksgiving, and family cookouts. His most prized possession was his family!

Ambrose received many awards, certificates, and acknowledgments. One of his proudest moments was in 1965 and 1966, when he served as the Executive Director of the Freedom Theatre Art Guild. They were able to provide theatrical and recreational opportunities for hundreds of local inner city youth, where few such opportunities were offered. In 2012, he was given the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award, to which he was pleasantly surprised! He was speechless, and if you know Ambrose, that was saying something! He felt honored. His greatest accomplishment and contribution to the community was in the late 1970s as San Diego City Schools grappled with the order of Judge Leis Welsh to proceed with school integration. The San Diego Urban League - Education Unit, under Ambrose’s leadership, was instrumental in establishing the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA). The beach area was the original site, but through many meetings, discussions, and fierce struggle, Ambrose led the coalition to have the school site moved onto the campus of O’Farrell Jr. High, in the midst of inner city schools.  Months later, there was a groundbreaking ceremony for the new School of Creative Performing Arts location, just a short distance from O’Farrell Jr. High. 

From a young child, Ambrose grew up serving in the church. He had strong conviction in trusting in the Lord, and serving in the church was one of the many ways he showed his belief. Until his passing, he served at Bethel Baptist Church as a member of the trustee board.

On September 29, 2020, Ambrose peacefully went to sleep and joined our Lord and Savior. Ambrose left to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 51 years, Lois Brodus; a sister-in-law, Barbara (Brooks) Nemacheck of Phoenix Arizona; nieces, Gwen Sheppard of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Allison Smith of San Diego, California, Lisa (Steve) Nemacheck of Illinois, and Nelda Gene Rogers of Los Angeles; great-niece, Tanisha (Reverend Ashton) Fulcher; great-nephews, Michael (Tara) Houston of Virginia, Daryl Houston, Lateef Wendell (Surayyah) Mothudi-Smith, and Patrice Mothudi-Smith, all of Los Angeles California, and Krisstopher L. Hodnett of San Diego, California; two special cousins, Gene Moore and Mary Lynn; and a host of cousins and dear friends. He will be missed!

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