Dr. Brenda Ameter (née Lappin) passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.
Dr. Brenda Ameter (née Lappin) passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.
Brenda approached every aspect of her life with determination and dedication. As a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and educator, she was generous with her compassion and empathy. She shared 63 loving years of marriage with her devoted husband, Malcolm Ameter.
Brenda had a special tenderness for the children and young adults in her life. Whether they were nieces and nephews, her granddaughters, students, or friends, Brenda took them under her wing and inspired them to love literature and water, pursue their passions, and become the best versions of themselves. Brenda had a passion for adventure and surrounding herself with beauty, including through her travels around the country and living on her beloved sailboat, Summer School, in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2013 she moved to a beachfront condo in Panama City Beach Florida, where she could continue to be close to the ocean. She led by example, demonstrating throughout her life the value of perseverance, growth, adventure, and striving for excellence.
Brenda was a member of the Gulfview Methodist Church in Panama City Beach, FL. She went to the altar at 10 years old and never doubted that she would one day go to Heaven. She prayed several times a day and attended church faithfully throughout her life until her health no longer permitted it.
After beginning her career as a high school teacher and later earning her Ph.D. to become a university professor, Brenda dedicated her life to education. One of the proudest achievements of her career was receiving a Fulbright Scholarship, which offered her the opportunity to spend a semester teaching American Literature in St. Petersburg, Russia.
As the mother of Chris Ameter, she continually encouraged him to challenge himself and pursue excellence in his education, career, and family life. Brenda led with love and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Those left to continue Brenda’s legacy of faith and love include: her husband- Malcom Ameter of Panama City Beach, FL; one son- Chris Ameter and wife Cynthia Nicole “Niki” of Parker, CO; one sister- Rita Lou (Lappin) Wells of Falls Church, VA; two brothers- Steven G. Lappin of Marion, IL and Greg I. Lappin and wife Kathy of Owensboro, KY; three granddaughters- Jessica Nicole Featherston and husband Dylan of Tallahassee, FL, Chloe Christine Ameter of Parker, CO, and Haley Sydney Ameter of Parker, CO; three nephews- John Lappin and wife Pamela of Baton Rouge, LA, David Wells and wife Maggie of Falls Church, VA, and Nathan Tranquilli and wife Michelle of Alexandra, VA; five nieces- Sarah (Lappin) Coco of Baton Rouge, LA, Joan (Lappin) Ferguson and husband Scott of Kathy, TX, Martha Wells of Omaha, NE, Amanda Lynn (Lappin) Morrow and husband James of Marion, IL, and Lindsey Ann Lappin and husband David of Billings, MO; and fourteen great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents- Gail Irving Lappin and Alfreda “Freda” May (Simmons) Lappin; two brothers- Ronald D. Lappin and George R. Lappin; one sister- Lisa Lynn (Lappin) Rohr; one brother-in-law- John Wells; one sister-in-law- Linda Lappin; three aunts- Kathleen (Simmons) Tuttle, Thelma (Simmons) Wells, and Betty (Simmons) Tully; three great-aunts- Maisie Lappin, Jessie Jones, and Anabel Thorn; paternal grandparents- Charles and Letty Lappin; and maternal grandparents- George and Isis Simmons.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at the Cunningham Funeral Home in Bridgeport, IL on Saturday, June 20, 2026. A graveside service will follow immediately at Bridgeport City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in memory of Brenda can be made to Troy University at 301 Adams, Administration Building, Troy, AL 36082. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.
