Ms. Aleta M. Bradford, the daughter of Dr. Adnee M. Bradford, the late Dr.Ernest M. Bradford, and the twin sister of Dr. Althea B. Bradford, and the soul-mate of Duncan Ravenelle, died Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at Moses Cone Hospital of Cardiac arrest complicated by stage 4 breast cancer. Aleta a certified elementary school teacher and a gifted interior decorator, loved people as much as she treasured life. Even in the face of death, she continued to serve others unceasingly through a card ministry she passionately cherished.

A life-long learner, Aleta Bradford attended elementary school in Selma, Alabama and Lincoln, Nebraska. She graduated from James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, received her undergraduate degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and a teaching certificate from Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Aleta's professional career included an instructor in the Lexington City Schools in Lexington, North Carolina and the Clayton County Schools in Jonesboro, Georgia. This vibrant soul's appreciation for beauty was reflected most uniquely through her work as an interior decorator. Colors were her trademark.

Aleta remained an active member of St. James Presbyterian Church U.S.A for over thirty years. She participated faithfully in Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, serving God as an ordained deacon and elder, and a member of the Sara Barber Circle. Her Gifts for compassion were best known as a result of her prayers, words of comfort, but most especially cards she sent weekly to whomever spirit directed. Aleta carried in her heart a deep love for her family- Duncan Ravenell, her soul-mate, her mother whom she called ' Mom Bradford' her twin sister whom she called 'Thea', her aunt and uncle, Betty and John Sanford, her aunt, the Rev. Josie Alston and family, cousins Pat Bradford Foster, Brett Bradford, Jawara, Monica, and Mani Sanford, Undine Walker as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Surely, she will be missed more than words can say by those whose lives were touched most closely. And yet, in the words of poet, James Weldon Johnson, ' She's only just gone home. She's resting in the bosom of Jesus.

Thanks be to God for the life of Aleta Marie Bradford.