Mother Mary Louise ("Lovie") Bradley

Her Story...

Beloved mother, grandmother, and pillar of her community, Mary L. Bradley, spiritually fulfilled in God’s presence on October 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, care, and warmth. Born in Blaine, Mississippi, to the late Louise Norwood and the late Edward Durham, Mary accepted Christ at an early age and united with her late husband, Abron Bradley Jr.

Mary attended school at Startoff in Doddsville, Mississippi, and later became a devoted member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years. She served faithfully as a soup kitchen cook on Wednesdays and was a cherished choir member and nurse. Her career was marked by dedication and excellence, the top chef at Maxine and Heines, where her culinary skills earned her recognition. If you had her cooking, then you would know why she was a top-notch chef. She also worked as a lunch aid for Michigan City Area Schools and Marquette Catholic School.

Known for her southern hospitality, Mary was more than just a mother to her children, she was a mother figure to anyone in need. Her family was her world, and she delighted in sharing her recipes and cooking for them. Her children affectionately called her "Lovie" due to her caring and loving nature. Mary's love extended beyond her family, as she welcomed her sisters, sister-in-law and their families into her home from Mississippi, creating a sense of community and belonging. Although she often said she would never return to Mississippi, her love for her only brother, Luther "Buddy" Norwood of Sunflower, Mississippi, brought her back to her roots.

In her personal life, Mary enjoyed fishing, bingo, and playing Pequeno at Life Care Nursing Home, where she resided for the last three years. Her greatest joy was in her family and her faith. Mary is now reunited with her late beloved sisters, Ann Blacksmon, Winne Mae Coleman, Minnie Belle Davis, Willie Belle Roberts, and Bernice Miller.

Mary leaves behind six children: Curtis (the late Beulle) Bradley, Donald (Beverly) Bradley, Jacqueline Bradley, the late Karl (Roseanne) Bradley, Kathy Bradley, and Shardae (Bryant) Farmer. She also leaves two special sons, Leon Woodard and Pastor James Lane Timberlake, and two special daughters, Shirley Jean and Loretta Burnett, and one special grandson, Leon D Woodard. Her family includes 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who will deeply miss her.

As we celebrate Mary's life, we remember her unwavering faith, her generosity, and her love for her family and community. Her life's melody will continue to inspire and guide us. 

Her Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 10:00am at Zion Hill MBC (Location 1), 123 Helen St., Michigan City, Indiana 46360. Visitation will be from 9:00am until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens. Pastor James E. Lane, Jr. will do the Eulogy.

The bible says....And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers!

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