Bessie Loraine Johnson Bradley

Bessie “Bess” Bradley, a resident of Westminster Oaks, Tallahassee, passed away Thursday, December 30, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital surrounded by family and friends.

Bess was born on June 30, 1924, to Nels and Anna Hammerquist Johnson in Moose Lake, MN.

Following graduation from Moose Lake High School, Bess enlisted in the U.S. Navy (WAVES) on her 20th birthday and served until September 6, 1951. She was very proud to have served in the Navy and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserves Association and a lifetime member of the Blind Veterans Association. She served the Federal Government and retired as a secretary from the Federal Aviation Administration and subsequently worked several years as a real estate agent in the Tallahassee area.

In the 16 months that Bess and her husband, Dick, lived at Westminster Oaks, her neighbors came to know her as a true friend. Cooking and card playing were two favorite interests, and she and Dick once enjoyed traveling extensively.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Richard “Dick” Bradley; a sister, Harriet Gobert of St. Paul, MN; a brother, Douglas Johnson of Sarasota, FL; a nephew, Daniel Johnson (Wendy) of Tallahassee; and several other nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, January 2, at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 3 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 624 Miccosukee Road with burial immediately following at Culley’s MeadowWood Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee.

Bess was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers James and Maurice Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bess’ name to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee,32308 or Lighthouse of the Big Bend, 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace, Tallahassee, 32301.