Eddie Rae Stephens Bradford's Obituary
Eddie Rae Bradford, the beloved daughter of Ed and Elsie Stephens was born on August 25, 1940 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. She lived in Chickasha until the age of two and then her family relocated to San Diego, California and this location became her lifetime home.
She received her formal education from Chesterton Elementary School and Abraham Lincoln High School. She graduated in 1958 after attending night school. Eddie Rae entered holy matrimony with Elmer J. Bradford II in 1957. The union was blessed with three children, Cheryl Graves Bradford, Elmer J Bradford III and Kelly Johnson. Eddie Rae and Elmer became entrepreneurs and owners of the restaurant Chat & Chew, which was successful for many years.
After graduation, she began a career as the first African American hired to become a 911 dispatcher for the police department. Her performance in this position was exceptional and opened the doors for opportunities for African American’s to become hired in this position. She was utilized to train new hire’s due to her cool head and attention to detail. Eddie Rae successfully worked as a noise and abatement code officer and retired in the year 2000.
She was the 2nd of six children and is leaving behind her brothers: Stanley Stephens, Paul Stephens, and Duane Stephens; Sisters: Narva Jean Osborne and Janet Pickens. Eddie Rae had six grandchildren: Melissa Bradford, Matthew Hennigan, Michelle Newbern-Simpson, (Melinda, Maureen, and Marissa were Kelly’s adopted children) and six great-grandchildren: Evelyn Gary, Deon Bradford-Gates, Maray Newbern, Ariel Newbern, and Asia Newbern.
Eddie Rae volunteered as a member of a committee dedicated to raising funds for Community Preparatory School. The committee organized a Mother’s Day Men’s fashion show Visions of Men-All Male Fashion Show and Luncheon for 10 years plus. It was extremely successful and great fun!!
The most relaxing time in her life was spending time with her furry friends, Magic, Zora, and Onyx. Eddie Rae enjoyed life to the fullest, had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. She enjoyed dancing, singing, cooking, and listening to music. She was an excellent cook, and everyone enjoyed her tacos and chili dishes.
SURVIVORS: An array of family from nephews to nieces, grandchildren, friends, and special loves.
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