Sally Bradford

HER ORIGIN…

Sally Jean Bradford was born March 13, 1945 in Warren, Arkansas to Alma Ray Phillips and Mitchell Davis who preceded her in death. She was then raised in a saved household of her stepfather and mother, Brother Clarence Cranford Sr. and Alma Ray Cranford. She attended Warren School. She married Deacon Fred Bradford who preceded her in death. Two sisters, Allene Davis and Sue D Hill (George) and two brothers, Lee Van Davis (Dorthy) and Robert Cranford have preceded her in death. She adopted two children, one of which preceded her in death, Eddie Beavers.

She leaves to cherish her memories one son, Wayne Beavers of Atlanta Georgia, two brothers, Bishop Clarence Cranford (Elizabeth) of Aurora, Illinois and Bishop Marvelle Cranford (Carolyn) of Howardville, Missouri, three sisters, Clementine of Sikeston, Missouri, Mary Sutherland (David), and Tracy Fenison (Ociepka) of Warren, Arkansas, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, beloved church family and friends.

HER STORY...

She confessed Christ at an early age. She moved from Arkansas to Madisonville, Kentucky where she and her husband, Elder Elliot Beavers, built a church. Many souls were saved. She moved to Tennessee where she continued her ministry and worked as a nurse’s aide while raising her children. She moved to Arkansas and continued working in ministry at the Power House Church of God In Christ. She stayed until she answered the call to Tennessee. There she met and married Deacon Bradford of Halls, Tennessee until his demise. She worked faithfully at New Jerusalem COGIC in Dyersburg, Tennessee and Community COGIC in Maury City, Tennessee until her health failed. Upon moving to Missouri to be close to family and get much needed care, she found herself supporting, advising, and encouraging at Friendship COGIC until her death.

Her talents included singing and teaching for the Lord which, grew into her passion. She sang under the anointing from a teenager in all corners of the country. Later on, she loved laughter and used it as an ice breaker, a way of introduction to tell the story of Christ. Her desire to spread love had no bounds as she found solace in taking care of people as if she had known them all her life.

She also loved serving the Lord. She was truly a woman after God‘s heart. She served the Lord day in and out. The Bible was her source for leading people to Christ. Whenever she visit the nursing homes, the residents would light up and hate to see her leave.

HER CHURCH…

Mother Sally Bradford was a devoted District Missionary of the Brownsville District, Supt. Alvin Williams, then Supt. Bobby Kenton in Missouri for over 10 years. Community COGIC was home. Mother Sally Bradford was a pillar of her community.

She played an integrated role in the church, serving in various capacities throughout her time there. Her contributions included appropriate Sermonic Solos, many years as both a junior and senior high Sunday school teacher, and as a Sunday school secretary.

Additionally, she held the position of president of the pastor’s aid for many years. She served as a Prayer in Bible band teacher for many years and was the president of the YPWW for many years.

She was a loyal and dedicated member who loved God, her Pastors, First Ladies, and the congregation.

Her absence is felt greatly. We salute Mother Sally Jean Bradford and express our gratitude for her endless love and dedication to the church.

FAVORITES...

She was a foodie

Favorite dessert was pound cake

Favorite color was purple

Favorite song was One Day I shall wear a Robe and Crown

Favor scripture (Philippians 4:13) can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Favorite flower was a rose

Favorite restaurant was Grecian of Dyersburg and Lamberts of Sikeston

Favorite shows was any Western

She loved crossword puzzles

Friends may call Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. until the funeral hour of 12:00 noon at Friendship Church of God in Christ, located at 7491 US Hwy 61 in Howardville, Missouri with Bishop Marvelle Cranford officiating. Interment will immediately follow services in Evergreen Cemetery in New Madrid, Missouri with the Williams Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.