Connie Lynn Brangman

Connie Lynn Brangman graced this world with her infectious laugh and unwavering love for family and animals. Born on August 25th, 1963, in Paget, Bermuda, to the late Charles Henry Ford and Janet Louise Ford, Connie lived most of her life on Friswell's Hill in Pembroke. She radiated joy and warmth from her days at Powell's Nursery School to her time at the Prospect Primary School and the Bermuda High School for Girls. 

Connie embarked on a professional journey at the former Appleby, Spurling, and Kempe, known most simply as Appleby, and there she became a beloved figure, weaving friends from colleagues into the family. She later worked for a short time at Hustler Trucking Company before joining her friend Rev. Brangman at Rafur Services Ltd., where she became the office manager until the company closed in 2012. 

Her sisters will never forget Connie as the animal-loving free spirit who had a knack for turning her home into a sanctuary for every creature she found wandering the streets. The best (and noisiest) example was her pet rooster, Bernard, who audibly protested his living situation with a racket that couldn't be ignored. One day, in a valiant effort to restore peace, her sister Candy staged a dramatic rescue, whisking Bernard away for a quieter life with fellow roosters on top of the Hill. It took Connie hours to realize the truth—her rooster hadn't escaped; her own sister had abducted him! 

And then there was CONSHANDY, the hamster with a name that was just as tail-waggingly quirky as Connie herself—a delightful blend of Connie, Shavana, and Candy. However, hamster parenting proved to be a short-lived adventure. One fateful day, panic ensued when Connie found CONSHANDY motionless. Godma Shavana raced them to the vet with her emergency lights flashing, but sadly, little CONSHANDY didn't make it. No one could blame Connie for the hamster's demise; being loved by such a big-hearted human was a tough gig! 

Camping was Connie's jam, especially during the Cup Match holidays! Her niece Glenisha fondly recalled family trips to Darrell's Island, where Connie transformed a camping trip into a luxury holiday— glamping (glamorous camping), complete with gourmet meals, snacks, and even a hot shower! She made it clear that no one would go hungry, even in the wilds of Bermuda.

In1989, she married Calvin Steede and was blessed with two wonderful children, Calae Steede and Calvin Steede Junior. Later, she found love again with Rev. W. Ouemonde Brangman. Their relationship was both loving and spiritual. Connie grew to know and love the Lord and dove deeply into His word to be the best she can be. She was not afraid to worship her God, no matter if no one else was worshipping you can always find her hands lifted and her voice singing his praises. At Bright Temple AME Church she joined the dance team where she ministered in group and solo dances and sang with the Voices of Praise gospel choir. In 2008 the two were married and Connie moved to Delaware to live with her husband who was sent there as a pastor. They pastored two churches in Delaware, New Zion, his first church, and Prospect AME, their second church. Connie was well loved as a first Lady and began preaching and teaching God’s word. She led women’s ministries and prayer groups there. She became an Evangelist in Delaware and continued in this calling until her passing. When Rev. Brangman was assigned to Bethel Harrisburg In 2015, she stuck with him every step of the way. The two loved each other unconditionally and were inseparable. In Harrisburg she obtained an Annual Conference certificate of Evangelism after taking classes in the Harrisburg District. She was actively involved in the ministry at Bethel, serving in numerous capacities. She was active in MSWAWO, Bethel’s Women’s Ministry, Bethel’s Prayer group an Advisor to the Missionary society. She happily served wherever she was asked by her Husband and Pastor. The Harrisburg District and the Philadelphia Conference of the AME Church will sadly miss her quiet unassuming elegance. 

When niece Glenisha Simmons (Isha) welcomed her first child, Adia, Aunt Connie flew in from Harrisburg, putting her life on pause to shower Adia with love and cuddles. Yes, Adia put Aunt Connie through her paces, but rest assured, Connie made sure the little one felt secure and cherished—something anyone who knows both Adia and Amali can palpably feel in their personalities. Let's say that Amali might have missed out on a few of Aunt Connie's "influences," and as Isha puts it, she doesn't follow the same rulebook! 

An adventurer at heart, Connie loved to travel, spending summers in Florida with her children and family, where every trip was just a little slice of paradise. But if you asked her for a dining-out plan, you could count on her to stroll into an upscale restaurant and confidently order chicken tenders—her true culinary love. 

Connie was, above all, a family woman. She routinely called her dear mother, sharing stories, laughter, and love. Her spirit was a light that will forever be missed but never forgotten. 

Connie shared a truly special bond with her best friend, Rose Eve, built on a foundation of unwavering support, laughter, and countless unforgettable moments. Their friendship was a source of joy and inspiration. Rose felt incredibly blessed to have Connie in her life—a constant reminder of unconditional love and the beauty of genuine connection. Together, they navigated life's ups and downs, often finding solace in each other's company while creating memories that would last a lifetime. As Rose reflects on their time together, she knows that Connie's vibrant spirit and infectious laughter will forever echo in her heart. Rose and her husband Wendell grew to know and love Connie and Ouemonde and the two couples were there for each other through thick and through thin. Though the loss is profound, Rose will always cherish the beautiful memories they shared, holding them close as a testament to the extraordinary friendship that enriched her life. 

She leaves to cherish her husband, Rev. W. Ouemonde Brangman, her children Calae and Cal J Steede, and her siblings Glen Ford, Jannell Ford (David), Kim Deshields (Mitchell), and Candy Williams (Mark). Her brothers-in-law Nalton Brangman (April), Remonde Brangman (Angela). Their Children Justin, Winton, and Samuel Brangman, Alana, Daniel, Savannah, and Serena Evans (Eric), Mother-in-law E.M. Lovette Brangman and the Brangman clan. She will be remembered fondly by her Wilson sisters, Debbie, Shavana, Anty and the entire Wilson Family; her beloved nieces and nephew, Glenisha Robinson (Warren), Mikayla and Gabrielle (Gabby) Deshields, Nadia Williams, and Dietre Ford; her uncles Irving, Vincent, Denis (Cheri), Eldon and Elvin (Sandra) Moore, Rudy and Harry Ford, Aunts, Ethlyn James, Eunice Van-Lowe, Carolese Symonds, Cynthia (Oliver) Smith, Kathyann Steede, Ruby Furbert (Brian), Sherral, Joan and Pandora Moore, Eunice Caines, alongside a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, godchildren, special friend Rose Eve (Wendell), and numerous friends in both Bermuda and the United States. 

While Connie may have left us, her spirit lives on in every laugh, every animal rescued, and every chicken tender ordered, every prayer uttered, every praise lifted and everyone loved. We cherish you, dear Connie, and thank you for the glorious memories!

Services will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 1721 N. 5th Street, Harrisburg, PA. Viewing will begin at 3:00p.m., and the Celebration of Life service will immediately follow the viewing. The burial will be held at St. John's Cemetery in Bermuda.

Please keep the Brangman Family in your thoughts and prayers.