Shirley Jean Bradford

The Life
The Love
The Legacy

Shirley Jean Donaldson Bradford
She was the third child of seven born to the late Walker Donaldson and the late Laura Mae Donaldson-Roberts.
Born May 14, 1949, in Monroe County in the State of Mississippi.
She was raised in a loving family. She received her formal education in the public school system of Monroe County in Mississippi and Kansas City, Kansas.
She accepted Christ at an early age and was a very active member of Clarks Chapel Church in Okolona, MS.

In the summer of 1967, Shirley and her sister Pearline came back to Mississippi to visit their grandmother Mary Gates (Ma Mae), and the young ladies fell in love with small-town life and made Okolona their home.

She was united in marriage to the late George W. Bradford; their union produced five offsprings.

Shirley loved spending time talking with family and friends, as well as her passion for cooking, which she was a great cook.
She loved shopping, traveling, fishing, her plants, going to concerts (Gospel, Blues, and Southern Soul music), daily conversations with her grandchildren and her sister Helen as well.
She operated her own home base daycare in Kansas City, Kansas (1981–1984) and in Okolona, MS.
After retiring from 5'G in Verona, MS,

Shirley transitioned from this earthly life Monday, October 27, 2025, in the comfort of her own home.

There is a Heavenly Family reunion as she joins her outspoken husband George Bradford,
Her parents Walker Donaldson and Laura M. Donaldson-Roberts,
Her brothers Walker Donaldson Jr. (Tiny), James Donaldson Sr. (Sonny),
Her dear sister-in-law Gola Mae Walker,
As well as her loving and caring nephew James Donaldson Jr. (Butchy),
And brothers-in-law Herman Carouthers (Snake), Odell Lowe.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion through her children:
Michael (Denise), Tyrone (Shelia), Jerome (Tina), Rickey (Dawn), Michelle,
17 Grandchildren,
16 Great Grandchildren.

Her siblings Violet McCullough, Pearl Carouthers, Helen Davis (Eddie), Thomas Dale Donaldson,
Two bonus sisters Emma Carouthers, Stella Ivy, Jean Hampton, and sis-in-law Lillian Donaldson,
Her dear friend Alvin Shumpert.
Remembering the love she shared of her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Shirley Jean Donaldson Bradford, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Memorial Donation