JOSEPH BRADLEY, SR., was born to Minerva Bowles and Robert L. Bradley, in Fluvanna County, VA, on June 28, 1928. He peacefully transitioned on Monday, January 4, 2021, at the Prince Georges United Medical Center. He was the second of seven children, Robert, Phillip, Russell and Julia Bradley (all deceased) Alice and James E. Chubbs, Jr.
In 1945, Joseph met the love of his life, Hannah Mason Randolph and they married on September 20, 1947. They were blessed with six children: Joyce Louise (deceased), LaVerne, Joann, Joseph, Jr., Minerva Diann and Lawrence Dennis.
In 1950, Joseph moved his family to Washington, DC. In 1952, he purchased his first home on Myrtle Avenue, NE. Joseph worked many jobs, sometimes multiple when necessary. Joseph was a man of many talents and welcomed hard work. In the mid-1940s he drove a delivery truck along the east coast for Ben Swinger Glass Co, food services at the Sholls Cafeteria; ambulance driver; Hertz Rental Car Company; just to name a few. In 1952, Dad chose the profession of being a Taxicab driver and desired to own his own company. Later he founded the “Professional Cab Drivers Association” in 1980. He was a proud owner of a fleet of taxi cabs. He even became recognized in the Washington Post for his years of being a ‘Professional Driver’ by the DC Taxicab Commission.
Over the years Dad has been tagged with a few nicknames: Joe, Mr. B (that was the nickname Hannah would call him), ‘Doll Baby’ (given him by his eldest brother Robert) and Duke (given in his youth) and we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge his CB handle ‘White Pony’. In his spare time, you could always find him under the hood of a car or in his favorite chair watching sports. Dad knew cars inside and out and could diagnose your problem with his eyes closed. You knew not to bother him during the game and to speak easy if the score wasn’t in his favor. His stature was no comparison to his heart and generosity. He had a heart for family and friends and didn’t know a stranger. Joseph was a Giant of a Man!
Joseph leaves to mourn his five children, LaVerne Smith, Joann Smith, Joseph Bradley, Jr., Minerva Diann Savoy (William), Lawrence Dennis Bradley, Sr.; Seven grandchildren: Nicole Smith, Paul ‘PJ’ Lanham, Jr. (Loretta), Kiesett Newton (Kevin), JaVonn Campbell (Nicholas), Patrice Smith, Denita and Lawrence Bradley, Jr. Ten great-grand: Shaunique, Ashaunti, Pauline, Destini Lanham, Mion Collier, Gabrielle, Kalani, Cristan, Alaryck Campbell and Arden Johnson. Four great-great grands: Sameh, Samah, Niaomi and Islah Lanham in addition to surviving siblings: Alice Chubbs-Gray and James ‘Jimmy’ Chubbs, Jr. and a host of family and friends.
Our father was a man of principles, fortitude, survival, and pride. We greatly appreciate what
he has displayed and taught us. Though we grieve his passing, we celebrate and
thank our father for the life and love he has given us.
DAD, REST IN PEACE!
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