Shirley Maria Bradford was born February 28, 1958, in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Mary Emma Bradford and R.D. Bradford, Sr.

Shirley accepted Christ at an early age and later joined Mt. Olive M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor Benny Henry. She loved her church and served on the usher board until her health failed.

She was an independent, hardworking, strong, giving woman. She worked at United Technology for a few years, and she worked at Weyerhaeuser for 30 plus years until retiring in 2016. Ms. Shirley was known as a stylish lady that loved fashion. Dressing femininely, wearing her high heels to go shopping, out to brunch, or just spending time with her friends. After retirement, she slowed down enjoying being outdoors or by the water. Being in her backyard was her safe space, that's where she did her relaxing and reading her bible. She also got into gardening and making her own face creams and rosewater, while talking on the phone with family and friends. She spent quite a bit of time in her backyard with her grandkids as well as playing with her dogs. After yard activities were done, she was ready to get in her bed catching up on her beauty sleep. She spent her final years resting and making peace with life.

On April 8, 2024, before the Total Solar Eclipse her spirit peacefully left this earth and went back home to God.

Shirley is preceded in death by her Parents, Mary Emma and R. D. Bradford, Sr., her brother, Tracy Andomo Bradford, her sister, Mildred Bradford, her grandmother, Emma Miller Walker, her grandfather, Ernest Walker, 4 uncles, Ernest Walker, Jr., Cornell "Sudy" Walker, Sr., Johnny James Walker, Will Les Walker.

Shirley leaves to cherish her sweet memories to her one and only daughter, Shondra Denise Bell of Columbus, MS, her sons: Lashawn (Corsica) Jamal Bell of Columbus, MS., and Donald (Takiva) Carey Bell, Jr. of Tupelo, MS.; two brothers, R. D. (Carrie) Bradford, JR., of Columbus, MS., and Valentino (Jacqueline) Bradford of Lawrenceville, GA.; 3 uncles: William (Vonceal) Walker and Willie B. Walker both of Chicago, IL., and Leon (Frances) Walker of St. Louis, MO.; one aunt, Ms. Evelyn Moore Walker of Columbus, MS; Special Cousin, Inez (Penny) Lewis of Aliceville, AL; seven grandchildren; 2 nieces and 4 nephews; and a host of relatives and friends.