Caryl McElvain Bradford Keys

Caryl Bradford Keys (née Caryl Ruth McElvain) died a holy death on May 18, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. She was born November 27th, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois and spent her formative years in Morris, Illinois where her late father, Carl Roswell McElvain, pursued business interests that included coal mines providing power and heating fuel to the City of Chicago. Her mother, Ruth Plowman McElvain, a great influence upon Caryl and the whole family, conducted the genealogical research necessary for Caryl’s long and proud membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Caryl attended Ferry Hall School in Lake Forest, Illinois and completed her high school education at Monticello College in Godfrey, Illinois. There she met the future father of her children, Charles “Chuck” Featherston Bradford while he was attending the nearby Western Military Academy. She matriculated to Northwestern University and married Chuck. In 1955, they transferred to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, the city that became her permanent home.

Caryl was a gifted leader of charity events and a philanthropist. She chaired the United Cerebral Palsy Guild of Dallas Ball. With her beloved, late sister-in-law,

Rosalind “Roz” McElvain, she produced fantastic costume-themed balls in the 1970’s. She also chaired the Dallas Symphony Presentation Ball and the Dallas Symphony Show House. She served Crystal Charity Ball in many positions, one of which was Charity Selection Chair.

She was a trained docent at the Dallas Museum of Art and she was a supporter of the Dallas Opera and Friends of the Dallas Arboretum. She was a member of Dallas Country Club, Dallas Petroleum Club, Dallas Woman’s Club, Dallas Garden Club, Les Femmes du Monde, and the Armstrong Book Review.

She also loved to play bridge and attained masterspoints. She loved and had a keen eye for West Highland White Terriers. Two of her beloved dogs were champions.

She traveled the world, sometimes independently, at other times with Northwestern University alumni, the Dallas Museum of Art Associates and the Dallas Garden Club. She was well-known for filming and sharing videos of these numerous journeys.

Caryl was a consummate entertainer and cook, possessing the spiritual gift of hospitality.

She became an active parishioner of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in 1957, serving in various ministries, including the Altar Guild. She also studied with the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) for many years, and Mary Craig Class.

She was a savvy businesswoman, engaged in commercial real estate, as well as oil and gas interests.

Caryl’s friends remember her as a warm, fun and smart lady; a world traveler, a business woman, and an early adapter of technology. They also remember her as a Christian of quiet conviction and deep spirituality who regularly spoke with God. She never gossiped with her friends. She befriended the mailman and she loved her hairdresser.

Her children and grandchildren will remember her as the most loving, nurturing and supportive parent and grandparent (notwithstanding the occasional and deserving fly-swatter).

Fiercely proud of her Scottish lineage, Caryl is preceded in death by her brothers, Carl Roswell McElvain, Jr, James Edward McElvain, David Plowman McElvain; her son, Charles McElvain Bradford and grandson, Jeffrey Charles Bradford. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Cheryl Renne Bradford; Pamela Bradford Krueger (David Stanley Krueger); Andrew Barton Bradford (Shannon Thompson Bradford). Also surviving are her five grandchildren, Nathan Gerald Bradford (Erika), Sahale Tiffany Bradford, Austin David Krueger, Lillian McTaggart Bradford, and Caryline Margaux

Bradford; and her nieces and nephews, Thomas Allan McElvain (Marilee), Jana McElvain Wood (the late, James), Jodi McElvain McGary (Brad); and grandnieces, Lindsey Wood Vickers (Jackson) and Haley Amanda Wood (engaged to John Dowling) and grandnephew, John “Jack” Plowman McGary; and great granddaughter, Isla Ruth Bradford; and great grandniece, Savannah Aylesworth Vickers. She is also survived, remembered and beloved by numerous cousins around the United States.

Her family and friends are grateful that her final years were filled with such happiness – the gift of God, we surmise, owing in part to her surfeit of love for us all. Through Jesus, she showered her grace and light upon us, and if there was ever a burden upon her mind or body, she continued to love us with aplomb, even unto her final moments.

She selflessly gave us her attention, affection, love and most of all, her quiet prayers.

May she rest in peace.

There will be a Rosary and Visitation, Thursday, May 30th, 5 o’clock at the Church of the Incarnation, 3966 McKinney Avenue.

A Solemn Requiem High Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Incarnation, Friday, May 31st at 2 o’clock, with the Rev. Dr. Christopher A. Beeley, presiding, and the Rev. Fr. Frederick C. Philputt, preaching.

Pallbearers are Robert Abernathy, Mark Alegnani, Nathan Bradford, John Dowling, Charles Henke, Austin Krueger, Brad McGary, Whit Roberts and Jackson Vickers. Honorary pallbearers are Eddie Liebman, P. Mike McCullough, Harvey Mitchell, Patrick Parise and Joe C. Thompson, Jr.

All are invited to a public service of Christian Burial immediately afterwards at Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park, 7405 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX.

All are invited to a reception at the Dallas Woman’s Club, 7000 Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75225.

The family request no flowers be sent. Instead, please consider directing a memorial to the “Incarnation Foundation,” 3966 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204, or Nashotah House Theological Seminary, 2777 Mission Rd, Nashotah, WI, 53058 (www.nashotah.edu/giving).