Born May 9, 1925 to Marshall and Mary Perry Edmisten in Boone, she graduated from Appalachian State Teachers’ College (now Appalachian State University) in 1949 and earned her M.A. in Administration there in 1963. On April 8, 1950, she married James “Brad” Bradford. They were married for 54 years until his death in 2004. They worked together as a team and their motto was to live with loving kindness.
She is survived by her children and their spouses: Marsha (George) Leiser and David (Jan) Bradford, and by her sister: Louiva Ward. She is also survived by grandchildren: Chris (Jolie) Leiser, Chad Leiser, Sarah (Bradley) Smart, Andrew Bradford, Joseph Bradford, and Mollie Bradford; and great grandchildren: Audrey Leiser, Harper Smart and Palmer Smart. She is also survived by many loving neices and nephews.
She is predeceased by her husband, James Bradford; her siblings: George (Loy) Edmisten, Addie Mae (Howard) Edmisten Love, John Edmisten, and Baker (Leta Mae) Edmisten.
Madeline began her career as a teacher in Forsyth county and then in Raleigh public schools, eventually serving as a principal. She returned to Boone to teach and became a full professor of education at Appalachian State University, a post she held until 1987. While at Appalachian, she served on numerous committees, including the Appalachian field advisory council, graduate faculty, student teaching committee, graduate council and chancellor’s committee. She was appointed to the Status of Women Committee by Governor Sanford.
Madeline also served as Director of the ASU Teaching Center and Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Teaching Center until her retirement in 1987. One of her peers wrote “I cannot conceive that anyone could give more service to a school system than Madeline has to Winston-Salem.” Another summed up her uncanny ability to get things done and support staff and students, even when dealing with difficult people and situations, “Any students stuck in bad situations would be changed to good situations without a ruffled feather.”
Her work with student teachers was awe-inspiring, according to former student teachers under her care. One said, “No word can describe the feeling of satisfaction, poise and self-confidence Mrs. Bradford can bestow with her pleasant notes, complementary comments, and that radiant smile.” And, many former student teachers and other friends recall the delicious homemade cherry cheesecakes she gave them every Christmas.
She will be remembered as a loving, giving, positive person who, in the words of her peers, was a “superb motivator, strong professional leader, very energetic, creative, and kind.” She always had a twinkle in her eye and a smile and kind word for everyone.
She loved and was loved by many friends, including her Alpha Delta Kappa sisters and the Enablers Sunday School class at First Baptist Church, and by her neighbors, one of whom described her as “the soul of the neighborhood.”
In retirement, Madeline enjoyed being with her family, reading, gardening, dancing, and traveling. Whatever she did, she did it to the fullest, and infected those around her with her zest for life.
Madeline’s favorite Bible verse was I Corinthians 15:10, “But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain.”
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 1:00-3:00 pm, at Vogler and Sons Reynolda Chapel, with the funeral service immediately following.
The burial will take place on Wednesday, March 17, 1:00 pm, at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Sugar Grove, NC.
If you desire, memorial contributions may be made in Madeline’s honor to the Enabler’s Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church, 501 W. Fifth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
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