Mary Dell Telford

Mary Dell Telford
Edwardsville - Mary was born on August 5, 1945, in Starkville, Mississippi, to Mattie Dell Bradford. At the age of four, Mary moved with her family to Edwardsville, Illinois, where she attended school and later made her lifelong home. In 1967, Mary wed the love of her life, Sonny, and together they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage. She retired from the Edwardsville School District after a long and dedicated career.
Mar was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sonny; her mother, Mattie Bradford; her sister, Barbara Ann Bradford; her granddaughter, Laziza Akins; her great-grandson, Loyal Dozier Jr.; and her great-great-granddaughter, A'zya Akins. She is survived by her seven children: Rhonda Bradford, Tina Ellington, Delaine (Vernon)Braylock Mickens, all of Edwardsville; Jerry Bradford of Toledo, Ohio; Moe (Joanne) Ellington of Murrieta, California; Lisa White; and Tiffanie (Jeremy Ferris) Telford, both of Edwardsville. She also leaves behind fourteen grandchildren-Tanya, Estefanita, Tiffanie, Vanessa, Heather, Brittany, Cierra, Bryson, Ju Lisa, Travia, Shelby, Marcus, and Mia-twenty great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, and one brother, Lester Bradford of Godfrey, Illinois. Mary will be remembered for her strength, resilience, and bold personality-a woman who lived life on her own terms, with elegance, confidence, and a touch of sass. She loved deeply, stood firmly in who she was, and never took any nonsense. Her spirit, grace, and fire will live on through all who knew and loved her. Visitation Saturday 11-15-2025, at Mt. Hebron COGICC from 10 am until time of service at noon. Burial Monday 11-17-25 at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery. Cathy Williams & Sons Funeral Home.