Augusta Bradford's Obituary
“Unto thee, O Lord, I do lift up my soul.” Psalm 25:1
Augusta “Gussie” Norman Bradford, 79, a native of Elberton, GA, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, died peacefully at 11:21 am October 31, 2008 surrounded by her loved ones at the Bradford family home in Sterling, VA. She is now whole, at one with God, and reunited with her late husband and best friend of more than 54 years, Benny Roger Bradford, who passed into the arms of Christ on June 15, 2007. The surviving family of “Gussie and Benny” will never be the same after the loss of their matriarch and patriarch.
Born May 15, 1929 in Elbert County, GA, Gussie was the daughter of the late Thomas Allen and Janie Rilla (nee: Mewborn) Norman. Her family’s lineage reaches back to the original settlements of what would become the United States of America. Her family lines arrived to the American colonies beginning in the mid 1600’s and settled in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Georgia to name a few. At every generation in this country’s past, Gussie’s family has contributed in some shape or form to the America we know today. At least two of her ancestors’ homes are in the National Register of Historical Places.
Gussie was a devout Christian, a dedicated Mother, and an astute businesswoman. Her faith carried her through this life and into the next with dignity, grace, and modesty. She had a keen attention to detail and her tenacity was unsurpassed. Gussie was unique.
Gussie and Benny were the epitome of the American success story, having raised themselves from humble beginnings to achieve the high business goals and Christian ideals they set for themselves. In true entrepreneurial spirit, they founded Bradford’s Carpet Service, Inc. in Chamblee, GA, a business they ran together for over twenty-five years. Where one was weak, the other was strong.
Over the years, she was a member of the Concord United Methodist Church in Elberton, GA, the Brookhaven United Methodist Church in Brookhaven, GA, a charter member of the Oglethorpe United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA, and a member of the Sterling United Methodist Church in Sterling, VA.
Gussie and Benny were members of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) Chapter 362 of Chamblee, GA where they served as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron.
Her survivors include her daughter Patricia Lane Bradford of Atlanta, GA; her son Barron Roger Bradford and his fiancée, Miss Belle Devaney, of Sterling, VA; her granddaughter Lacy Elizabeth Bradford of Reston, VA; her grandsons Erik Ryan Bradford of Austin, TX and Kyle Benjamin Bradford of Corvallis, OR; her sister Mildred Gaines Norman Maxwell of Charlotte, NC; as well as many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends throughout the country.
Rev. Claude E. Smithmier will preside over the memorial service in Atlanta, GA and the graveside service at the Concord United Methodist Church in Elberton, GA on a date to be determined.
In accordance with Augusta Norman Bradford’s wishes, in lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, care of the Yaarab Shrine, 400 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308.
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