Amanda Faye Briseno Schwartz was born on September 8, 1971, in Berlin, Germany, to Gene and Patricia Briseno. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 30, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by her family and friends. Amanda is survived by her daughter, Maggie, and husband, Gideon Wells; her mother, Patricia Briseno; her father, Gene, and his wife, Susann Briseno; her siblings, Allyson Prowell, Aaron Briseno, Amy Briseno, Emily and her husband, Tommy Cochran, Timothy Briseno, and Jonathan Briseno. She was loved and adored by her nieces and nephews, Breeanna and her husband, Francisco Cruz, Austin and Anthony Prowell, Nora Briseno, Ezra and Elijah Cochran. She is loved and missed by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Studies from Northwest Missouri State University. She went on to have a successful career in advocating for early childhood education. She was the Director of Scholarships for TEACH Missouri and CDA Scholarship Project.
During her early adult years, she loved to serve the Lord on mission trips with her Greenwood church family. The friendships she made during those years lasted a lifetime. Amanda was a passionate and joyful mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was a constant presence for those she loved, always ready to share advice, her faith, listen, and be a companion to laugh or cry with. Amanda was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. She was once asked about her favorite hobby, to which she replied, “my family.” She loved to play games with them and had a wild competitive streak. She was goofy, fun, and radiated life. Amanda is joy. We cherish the memory of Amanda’s animated, in-depth, and humorous stories that left everyone in tears of laughter.
Her most cherished role was that of a mother. Maggie was her best friend, the joy of her life, and her favorite travel buddy. Amanda was a mother figure to many people, including her siblings and the hundreds of children she influenced through her calling in education. With a deep sense of purpose, she fulfilled her God-given mission, inspiring countless young lives with her dedication and passion as an educator.
She is remembered as someone who served the Lord faithfully. Through her journey, she never lost hope, never lost faith, and lived her life to bring God glory.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that you consider a donation to Child Care Aware of Missouri to the Amanda Schwartz Scholarship Fund.
https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=2c916d97-652f-4708-a425-f55aba2b4d0c
Services: Services will be held at Fellowship of Greenwood, 1601 W Main Street, Greenwood, MO 64034, on October 10, 2025, with visitation at 11:30 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM. A service of Kutis Funeral Home, City Chapel.
I had the privilege of working with Amanda for seven years as our Director of Scholarships with TEACH Missouri at Child Care Aware of Missouri. She was my trusted right arm, my sounding board and my friend. I know Amanda is at peace with God and that it is those of us left behind who feel the loss so profoundly. I pray for her family and friends and rest assured that we will carry on the good work Amanda started.
I’m so sad to see this. I went with Amanda and Amy and Gene on many of those mission trips while at FBC Greenwood. Amanda was a cherished friend and I am so sorry that is gone so young. I will be praying for your family