Hazel L Bradley

Hazel Lavone Bradley, 86, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on Friday, April 25, with her family at her side. A celebration of Hazel's life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 2.

Hazel was born to Benjiman and Pearl Smith on a small family farm outside of Patton, Georgia on June 10, 1927. One of seven children, she grew up working hard on the family farm while eventually graduating from high school in Thomasville. Shortly afterward she made the decision to move to Tallahassee to begin working for Mr. Johnson in McRory's Department Store downtown. She enjoyed telling her family the many stories of life in old-time Tallahassee while living in Mrs. Sutton's boarding house, and especially those times that involved the love of her life, Ellis Bradley. Ellis was the manager of P.W. Wilson & Company men's clothing store at the time, and was know for his always-impecable attire and fashion sense for men's clothing. Hazel & Ellis fell in love, and were married on Christmas Day, 1955.

They had two sons, Dale (1957) and Wayne (1959), that kept them quite busy growing up. Hazel was constantly driving her boys to some sort of game or race, and she enjoyed it as much as they did. She was affectionately known as "Mama Hazel" to many of the neighborhood kids, who considered her house to be a second home. There were countless evenings when the threat of a physical intervention by her was necessary to end a neighborhood football game so that supper could be served. Hazel was a tireless and loving parent that was always willing to listen and set a faithful example to all of "her kids".

After a period of time as a stay at home mom, Hazel returned to work at the Leon High School clinic, and she counted her experiences there to be some of her most enjoyable. She loved the energy of the young adults at Leon, and made many life-long friendships while there. After several years at Leon she continued her career working for the City of Tallahasse Public Works Division until her retirement.

Hazel's family lovingly described her as "a heart with arms and legs", as she never met a stranger and was quick to form new friendships and nurture old ones. She always had a kind smile and word of encouragement for anyone she encountered, and her family and friends all knew she would be there for them for anything they needed.

Hazel was preceeded in death by her parents, several sisters and brothers, sisters-in-law Isabelle and Carolyn Bradley (Jack), as well as her husband Ellis and son Wayne. She is survived by her son Dale and daughter-in-law Marie, and perhaps her favorite two people on the planet, her granddaughters Tori and April.

Well done good and faithful servant! You are abundantly loved. May all of the wonderful things promised by our Lord Jesus Christ be fulfilled unto you. We will miss you dearly, but we will be happy knowing that we will be reunited again together in God's Kindom.

Arrangements under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.