Amanda Rudd

Amanda Sullivan Rudd passed at the age of 93 in Atlanta GA on February 11, 2017 of natural causes. Rudd, born in Greenville SC, was the first female and the only African American Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library until retirement in 1984. She worked as an Educational Consultant with World Book Encyclopedia in Chicago in the 1970's and was the Assistant Director of School Libraries with the Cleveland OH Public Schools in the late 60's. Rudd was a member of the Links, Inc., the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and ALA. Rudd attended Voorhees College and received her Bachelor degree from Florida A&M University. She later attended Western Reserve University School of Library Science in Cleveland and received her MLS. Rudd was an avid lover of children's books, crossword puzzles and Bridge. She traveled extensively to 45 different countries during her lifetime. She was a member of the Baptist denomination. Beloved mother of son, Grover C. Randle (Lil) and daughter, Loretta R. O'Brien Parham (James) both of Atlanta. She is preceded in death by her parents, 7 siblings and one granddaughter. Rudd is survived by one brother, 2 children, 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Remains will be handled by Cremation Society of GA, burial at New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church cemetery in Laurens County, S.C. In lieu of flowers family has requested commemorative donations to the Children's Literacy Initiative-Chicago. www.cli.org.