Dorothy Bradley

Dorothy "Madea" Gordon-Bradley transitioned to her next assignment on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. She was born in Vance, Mississippi on October 10, 1933 to Rebecca "Dude" and Jordan Jones.
Mother Dorothy "Madea" began her spiritual journey at a young age. She was a dedicated member of Southtown Apostolic Church under the leadership of Bishop James L. Gordon. Her commitment to the church was always evident; she served as a church member Usher in her younger years and later became an active member of the Mother's Board. It was always a joy to hear Mother Bradley exclaim in church, especially when her favorite song was being sung.
Mother Dorothy "Madea" dedicated her life to service, not only working as a housekeeper in a nursing home to care for those truly in need, but also extending her compassion to her home. She embraced the caregiver spirit so much that she raised not only her own eight children, but also six of her grandchildren and helped raise other children in her home, often taking people in and caring for them when they were in need. This remarkable generosity was backed by a very confident and outspoken personality. This enduring strength led her own grandmother to coin the term, declaring she was a "blue goose that never lost a feather" - a title she exemplified and made her own.
Mother Dorothy "Madea" leaves behind to cherish her memory her three daughters, Jean Gordon and Rosetta Fisher, both of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Diane Warren of Mount Vernon, Illinois; one son, Bishop James (Shirley) Gordon of Mount Vernon, Illinois; 17 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
Mother Dorothy "Madea" was preceded in death by her mother, Rebecca "Dude" Carmichael; her father, Jordan Jones; her husband, James Bradley; her three daughters, Tanya Gordon, Barbara Jones, and Sandra Sawyer; one son, Richard Gordon, Jr.; sister, Ann L. Mack; brothers, Jerry Jones and Ray Jones; and a number of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Southtown Apostolic Church in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 am with Bishop James Gordon officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois.
Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.