Esther Bradley

Esther Mae Bradley was born May 31, 1931 to Sidney and Florence Nixon in Laurel, Mississippi.  She transitioned to eternity on May 25, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.

Esther attended public schools in Laurel, MS.  She later relocated to Joliet, Illinois where she attended Joliet Public Schools.

Esther maintained various positions during her career.  Esther was united in holy matrimony to Stonewall Bradley and together they raised eight children.

Esther accepted Christ at an early age.  She was a long-time member of Shiloh Baptist Church.  In joining Shiloh, Esther sung in the Greater United Choir.

In Esther’s spare time she had a passion for singing in her quartet group.  She was a huge Cubs fan.  Esther had various hobbies including playing softball, going to garage sales on Saturday, cooking, playing spades, working in her garden but nothing made Esther happier than being with her family.

Esther was a pillar in her community.  She had many names but was known as Mama. Esther had a heart of gold but was known for telling it like it is.  She didn’t mind showing generosity by helping those in need.

Esther is preceded in death by her grandparents, Anderson and Ellen Mack; her parents, Sidney and Florence Nixon; sisters, Katie Stegall and Velma Parrish; her brother, John Nixon; her husband, Stonewall Bradley; three grandsons, Charles McElrath, Marcus Campbell and Malcom Bradley.

She leaves to cherish her eight children: Sandra (Johnny) Johnson, John Campbell, Sheila (Micheal) Cole, Malcolm Campbell (Tish Presnall), Mary Campbell, Brian (Michelle) Campbell, Melvin Bradley, Renee (Lamontrose) Love; three adoptive children, Joevanna Bradley, Brian (Monika) Bradley and Sidney (Cori Bradley); forty-two grandchildren, ninety-two great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; a favorite son-in-law, Micheal Cole; special friends, Mrs. Daisy Sago, Velma Waddell, Elease Creal, Vanessa Moffett and Brenda Warfield; and a host of special nieces and nephews.

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