Obituary of Mahalia Bradford

Mahalia Lee Bradford, age 91, died peacefully on January 23rd, 2018 at the home she shared with her kids, surrounded by her loved ones. Mahalia was born in Nebo, Kentucky on July 2nd, 1926, the daughter of Lee and Pauline Barnwell. After she graduated high school, Mahalia was a teacher in the Nebo area, and she met her soon-to-be husband Ken, while working in a parachute factory during WWII. Ken Bradford and Mahalia were married in 1945 during the time that Ken was serving in the armed forces, and she moved to Oregon to live with his family in Portland while he was overseas. While raising their young family in Portland, Mahalia became a librarian in 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; sister, Alverta Jones. Mahalia is survived by her Kentucky sisters, Ann Ashby and Bobby Todd; her son, Jim Bradford and his wife Julie, of Lake Havasu, her 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. She was a Kentucky girl, an Oregon Mother and an Arizona senior Citizen. We loved her so very much and will be deeply missed. 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. To send a free card to the family, go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.