Obituaries

Betty Jane (Mathis) Bradley

Photo of Betty Jane (Mathis) Bradley
Betty Jane (Mathis) Bradley, 86, of Columbia, Mo., died peacefully at home on Saturday, April 21, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born on August 1, 1931, in Sturgeon, Mo., the daughter of Walter and Hazel (Winfrey) Mathis who preceded her in death. She was married on September 11, 1948, in Kansas City, Mo. to H.G. "Brad" Bradley who preceded her in death on December 22, 2006. Betty was a hard worker her whole life beginning as a young child on the family farm. She retired from Lacrosse Lumber Company in Fulton, Mo. in May 1995 along side her husband, Brad after 30 years of service as an Office Manager and Bookkeeper. Betty served as President of The Kingdom of Callaway Chamber of Commerce, Fulton, Mo. in 1980. That same year Betty was voted "Woman of the Year" by The American Business Womens Association, Kingdom of Callaway Chapter, Fulton, Mo. Betty went on to serve as President of The American Business Womens Association, Kingdom of Callaway Chapter, Fulton, Mo. from 1986-1987. Betty was a member of the Court Street United Methodist Church in Fulton, Mo. At one time she served as the Youth Choir Director there for a few years. Survivors include: one daughter, Melissa "Missy" Bradley-Espinosa (Preston) of Columbia, Mo.; four grandchildren, Tyler and Tanner Espinosa of Columbia, Mo., Stephanie Jones (Jeff) and Trish Doyle (Chris) of Mobile, Ala.; four great-grandchildren, Hannah and Addison Jones, Brice and Baylee Doyle as well as 15 nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by one son, Steve Bradley of Mobile, Ala.; one daughter, Cynthia "Cyndi" Bradley of Columbia, Mo.; five sisters, Marilyn Kiburz, Loretta Kent, Lona Bauer, Sue Perkins and Patricia Spauldin; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry and Walsie (Hopper) Bradley. Betty was adored and loved by all who knew her. She will be sadly missed but not forgotten by many, especially by her daughter Melissa, her grandchildren, family members and a very special Caregiver, Heidi Vanvactor of Mexico, Mo, whom Betty loved very much. The family would like to acknowledge the love, exceptional care and compassion that Betty received at her home from a very special R.N., Rachel, and the rest of the team from Compassus Hospice & Palliative Care. Private family services will be held at a later date. Burial will be near Betty's childhood home at Locust Grove Baptist Cemetery near Sturgeon, Mo. In lieu of flowers, Betty had requested that memorial contributions be made to Locust Grove Baptist Cemetery Association, c/o Mike Perkins, 2440 County Rd. 269, Columbia, MO 65202. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

Published April 25, 2018