Ressie Mae Bradford

Ressie Mae Bradford "Birdie" was the firstborn to the union of the late Willie James Jr (dec. 2008) and Katie Chambers (dec. 2005), on December 15, 1948 in Somerville, TN. at the age of 2 she came to Cleveland on a train with her parents. She accepted Christ as her personal savior at the age of 12 at Fire Baptized and Holiness Church. She graduated from East Technical High School in January 1967 where she also ran track.

Ressie married Bobby J. Bradford in August 1967 and to their union three children were born, Bennetta K. Bradford, Beleatta D. Bradford and, Berena M. Bradford.

Following High School Ressie worked at Ohio Bell as an operator. After giving birth to Bennetta, she never went back to Ohio Bell. She later held a position at Mt. Sinai in the Laundry Dept. Ressie returned to college at Cuyahoga County Community College for additional course work. In addition, she went to work for the Cleveland Public School district before having her second child, as a librarian assistant at James Ford Rhodes.

Ressie went to be with the Lord on July 25, 2020, in her apartment. She leaves to mourn three siblings, Willie Chambers Jr, Mary B. Taylor, and Naomi E. Hubbard; five grandchildren, Johnnie Smith, Tanitra Bradford, Bernard Oneal, Michael Williams, and Myiana Williams; as well as a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ressie "Birdie" will always be remembered for her generous heart, cooking for others, and her joyful spirit. she will be truly missed.