Obituaries

Esther Bradford

February 14, 1932 - February 12, 2025

Esther Bradford, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025 in Sanford, FL. Born in Waterloo, Iowa, Esther’s life was a testament to faith, family, and service. At the young age of eight, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, a faith she reaffirmed at twelve and carried with unwavering devotion throughout her life.

Her journey led her to South Florida, where, encouraged by her cousin Bonnie Bush, she met the love of her life, William Bradford. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising five children, nurturing sixteen grandchildren, and cherishing sixteen great-grandchildren. Their home was always open, welcoming numerous nieces, nephews, and others who considered them mom and dad, receiving their love and prayers over the years.

Esther’s professional life as a secretary provided a foundation for her role as a supportive wife and mother, but her organizational skills found a perfect outlet in her passionate commitment to the prison ministry, a calling she pursued with unwavering love until after her ninetieth birthday. She and her husband shared a deep love for missions and missionaries, frequently hosting them in their home. Their hearts were especially drawn to young people, dedicating significant time to Camp Horizon. Esther also served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher and hosted after-school Bible clubs, but as she would readily attest, her salvation was solely through the grace of Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:7…. And the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin….. In her final months, her unwavering faith shone through as she repeatedly declared, “I know where I’m going, and I’m ready to go.” Her unwavering belief was a testament to the life she lived and the hope she held.

Esther is survived by five children, William Bradford (Cheryl), Julie Chapman (Charles), David Bradford (Vivian), Diane VanRyn (Keith), Dawn Harper (Stephen); sixteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on March 9, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Lake Howell Bible Chapel, 2315 Lake Howell Lane, Maitland, FL, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. She will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband at Vista Memorial Gardens in Miami Lakes.

In lieu of flowers please send gifts in Esther’s name to
Camp Horizon; https://camphorizon.org
Or Emmaus Prison Ministry; https://emmausworldwide.org