Mary Agnes Jeter Bradley, age 96, was a phenomenal woman whose longevity exemplified the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Her grace and warmth embraced others; her understanding eyes assured; her hands soothed and comforted;her radiant smile welcomed you into her world. "She walked in beauty like the night" and her presence was illuminating Her life has been a blessing and inspiration to her family, friends, community and the nursing profession.

Born July 18, 1927, to Andrew and Martha Johnson- Jeter in rural Tucker Town, South Carolina, she was the seventh of ten children. She was named for two maternal aunts, but the family affectionately called her "Girlie". A precocious child, she learned to read and write by kerosene lamp light under the tutelage of older sister Francina. She recited scriptures at age 3 and at age 6 skipped the first grade. She graduated class valedictorian from Sims High School in Union, SC where she lived with oldest sister Rosa Cohen and the Cohen family. (Sims High was the only "colored" high school in the county and was 24 miles from remote Tucker Town.) Following graduation, she moved to Columbia where she enrolled at Benedict College while living in the home of sister Francina (George) Glymph. During her collegiate years, she became super mom to her beloved daughter Patricia as she managed her studies, marriage and motherhood. Eventually Mary and daughter would soon accept a life. Changing invitation from older sister Anne (Coyt) Young to relocate from the South to the North, from Tucker Town to Aliquippa Pennsylvania where she would be sheltered and protected by four older siblings-brothers Condee and Eugene and sisters Daisy (Gwen) Lindsay and Ann.

It was in Pennsylvania that she became a highly respected registered nurse, receiving the Florence Nightingale Award — the most prestigious honor bestowed a nurse. She completed more than 35 years of service in two states, Pennsylvania and New York. She was a world traveler and an avid reader.

Mary was predeceased by her husband LaRue Bradley, herparents, five sisters: Rosa Cohen, Anne Young, Daisy Lindsay, Francina Glymph, Mabel Gilliam and three brothers: Eugene, Condee and Lewis.

Celebrating her life are her only daughter Patricia White- Perkins of the home, youngest sister Doris Fields of Columbia, South Carolina, "The Golden Girls, Mrs. Elizabeth Jordan, Mrs. Mary Hunter and Mrs. Essie Anderson" and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

A special Thank you to Kim Pope and Family, thank you all for all of the years you have been here for the family in many roles, but especially caretaker to Patricia and Aunt Girlie!

Thank you to Gentiva Hospice and Her Great Neice Monique Vaughn (Monaca)

Mary Jeter Bradley's life was an inspiration, her longevity a blessing and her passing, a resurrection to a new life.

Historical note: Mary Agnes was born on a sprawling farm in a four-bedroom Clapboard house owned by her father who was an independent farmer in a small community of 19 Black families and one white family who owned the country store and the only telephone. There was no electricity, no running water, no indoor bathrooms, no paved roads, no cars nor public transportation. She walked 3 miles to the three-room schoolhouse and four miles to church. "AND YET SHE ROSE."