Princess Bradford

Mrs. Princess Hoawrd Bennett Bradford was born on October 7, 1932, to the late Roosevelt Howard and Mrs Ellen (Precious) Rimmer Howard Johnson in Canton, Mississippi. She was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Mr. Ira Bradford, who preceded her in death. From this union, which lasted thirty-eight years,  one child, Dorian Allen Bradford, was born.

Mrs. Bradford was a devoted wife and mother who deeply loved and cherished both God and her family. She confessed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and later relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she joined Bethany Baptist Church. She immersed herself wholeheartedly in serving her Lord. Over the years, she sang in the church choir, taught Vacation Bible School (VBS), and served as a Sunday School teacher for both children and adults. Remarkably, she continued teaching Sunday School for adults until her health declined. 

Though strict in her teaching, Mrs. Bradford left a lasting impression on the hearts of her students, encouraging them with love. She had a unique tradition of sending birthday cards, often with a small gift of money, to the children she taught. While some parents insisted a card alone would suffice, Mrs. Bradford found immense joy in this gesture. Her address books revealed that she had meticulously recorded the birthdays of her students over the years. Encounters with former students who remember her teaching brought her immense happiness. To those who shared such moments with her, her family extends their heartfelt gratitude for bringing joy to their mother's heart.

Mrs. Bradford departed this life on December 2, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by Stephanie L. Bradford.

One of her cherished hobbies was cooking and baking. Even after her children moved out, she continued to cook as if for an army. Family and friends fondly remember her signature dishes: peanut butter cookies and macaroni and cheese for Robert, Kaelena, and Robben; banana pudding for Mary; sweet potato pies for Richard and a few church members (which rarely made it to the desert table); strawberry cake for Ronnie; peach cobbler for Dorian; and broccoli casserole, eagerly awaited by David. Her potato salad and deviled eggs were famously praised by Ryan, and she shared countless recipes with her daughter Jean over the years.

Mrs. Bradford also faithfully served as a deaconess for many years. She found delight in mentoring the next generation of women to become vibrant and effective leaders in service to the Lord. Her journey of service was marked by growth, inspiration, and joyous connection.

She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory: her six children- Mrs. Ellen T. Simpson of Dallas, Texas; Mrs. Ira Jean Bradford-Brown (John)  of Mount Dora, Florida; Mr. Willie E. Bennet (Rhonda); Mr. Ronald H. Bennett, both of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Mr. Robert M. Bennet of Dallas, Texas; and Mr. Dorian A. Bradford of Petersburg, Virginia. She is also survived by eighteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Helen Moore; two brothers, Phil Johnson (Icey) and RL Johnson (Mary); one godson, Lt. Derek Handley, U.S. Navy; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Her legacy of Faith, love, and service will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Princess Bradford, please visit our floral store.