Mrs. Reanell Newman Bradley was born September 9, 1927, to the late William Olin and Mary Wright Newman. She was the oldest of three siblings. She had two younger brothers, William Olin Newman Jr. (deceased) also known as "Bubba" and Charlie Lee Newman (deceased) was the youngest. She was raised in the community of Elliott, South Carolina. Mrs. Bradley attended the schools of Lee and Sumter counties and graduated from Morris College with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She completed further studies at South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, South Carolinain the area Special Education. Mrs. Bradley began her teaching career in Hemingway, South Carolina where she taught for one year. The remaining 35 years of her teaching career was spent teaching at Fleming Elementary and Middle School as a Special Education Teacher. She had a passion for children who had various learning disabilities. She was very instrumental in helping these children acquiring knowledge and life skills to aid them in becoming responsible adults. She was a member of the Lee County Teacher's Association, South Carolina Education Association and The Morris College Alumni Chapter of Lee County. She retired from the public-school system in 1989.
She was raised in a Christian home, under the guidance of her loving and devoted parents who reinforced the importance of God's presence from an early age. She joined St. Paul United Methodist Episcopal Church located in Elliott, South Carolina. She later joined New Zion A.M.E. Church in which she served as a Missionary Zone #1, active class leader, member of the gospel choir,Stewardess Board #9 and Women Missionary Society. Mrs. Bradleyand her family served God faithfully. She along with all her children were dedicated members of New Zion A.M.E. Church. She not only modeled, but instilled in all her children and grandchildren to always keep God first. If there was anyone who was a living example of the term servant, Mrs. Reanell Bradley without question would be the first person to come to mind. She truly would give the shirt off her back, the food out of her mouth and empty her pockets to help those in need. If a theme had to be identified to sum up the life of Mrs. Reanell Bradley it would be "If I Could Help Somebody", a poem/song she often loved to quote.
Mrs. Bradley's love for God, family, church and community is to be commended. In addition to her five children, she helped raise a niece and nephew, nine grandchildren, and three foster children.
She was married to the late Mr. Odell Bradley Sr. (deceased) of Wisacky, South Carolina.
Her loving memories will be cherished by her five children, Odell Jr. of the home, Charles (Naomi) of Sumter, SC, Ronald (Marilyn) of Columbia, SC, Sharon of Columbia, SC, and Vida of the home. A niece, Gwendolyn of Fairfax, Virginia and nephew Carl (Cassandra) of Irmo, SC she raised in the absence of their deceased mother.Three foster children, Eddie Fortune of Wisacky, SC, Timothy Rembert of New York and Tony Burroughs of Wisacky, SC. Two special nephews, Julius Funderburk of Belleglade, FL and Alfonzo Funderburk (Mary) of Belleglade, FL and three special nieces, Lillian Stevens of Washington D.C., Margie Gerold of Pleasantville, NJ and, Joane Robertson (Leroy) of Ocean City, NJ.Ten grandchildren, Nikki, Denise, Varick, Cornelius, Demetrius, Reginald, Anthony, Brittany, Destiny &Beyounce. Her sisters for life Bernice Bradley of Bishopville, SC, Louise Kennedy of Elliott, SC and Margaret Durant of Elliott, SC. A special son for life, Thomas "Terry" Slater. Sixteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends that she treasured.
Public Viewing will be held on Sunday, Jan 14, 2018 from 1-5pm at Job's Mortuary.
Mrs. Bradley will be placed in the church on Mon. at 11am for viewing until the hour of service.
Funeral Service will be held on Mon. Jan. 15, 2018 at 12noon at New Zion AME Church with Pastor Archie S. Temoney, Officiating
Interment will follow in Broadbranch Cemetery, Bishopville, SC
Family will be receiving friends at the home 107 Elliott Highway, Bishopville, SC