Mahalia Lee (Barnwell) Bradford |
| Posted 2018-01-30 by mhenderson |
| Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ >>> Published on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 <<< Mahalia Lee Bradford, 91, died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones Jan. 23, 2018 at the home she shared with her children. Mahalia was born in Nebo, Kentucky on July 2, 1926, the daughter of Lee and Pauline Barnwell. After she graduated high school, Mahalia was a teacher in the Nebo area. She met her soon-to-be husband Ken while working in a parachute factory during World War II. Ken Bradford and Mahalia were married in 1945 during the time that Ken was serving in the Armed Forces. She moved to Oregon to live with Ken’s family in Portland while he was overseas. While raising their young family in Portland, Mahalia became a librarian for the Portland School District. She also put herself through college at St. Mary’s, receiving her certificate in early childhood education. Mahalia loved children and books her entire life. After retirement, Ken and Mahalia moved to Lake Havasu City where Mahalia became active in Civitan, the Methodist Church, the Republican Women’s group and she served on the board for the Mohave County Library at Havasu. Mahalia was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Ken Bradford; daughter Melissa Biancone; brothers William and Johnny Barnwell and sister Alverta Jones. Mahalia is survived by her Kentucky sisters Ann Ashby and Bobby Todd, son Jim (Julie) Bradford of Havasu, son Billy Bradford of Castro Valley; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved very much. We will all miss her, and we urge to you hug the ones you love and then go read a book. Mahalia was a Kentucky girl, an Oregon mother and an Arizona senior citizen. And we loved her. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz- frazefuneralhome.com. Send a free card to the family at www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze. |
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