Betty Bradford

Betty Jean Bradford, 68, of Pineville, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2017 in her home on Laurel Hill. Born August 28, 1948 in Harlan, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Maurice and Nora Lee Gambrel. She is survived by her children, Stephen Michael Bradford, Laura Lynne Collett, and Robert Christopher Bradford; two sisters, Bobbie Jo Pollitte and Phyllis Ann Nolan; a brother, Bruce Harold Gambrel; eight grandchildren, Carlton Xavier, Christopher, Katherine, Gavin Michael, Hannah, Jacob, Cameron, and Madelyn.

Betty Bradford was a long-time resident of Harlan, Kentucky where she lived since childhood. After graduating from Harlan High School in 1966, she devoted her life to her family and children, later attended Union College receiving both Bachelor and Master degrees in Early Childhood Education. Betty was a devoted elementary school teacher for the Harlan County Board of Education, specializing in Reading Recovery through the Federal Government, owned and operated a successful preschool in London, Kentucky, she later returned to the classroom, retiring with the Bell County Board of Education.

Betty was active in all communities in which she resided. Because of her devotion to Christ, love for family, and fun-loving spirit, her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her.

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on the tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31