SARAH ELIZABETH (WOOD) BRADLEY

Sarah Elizabeth Wood Bradley was born August 12, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the union of the late Paul Wood and Mabel Moore Wood. Sarah was the second child and only daughter of three children, Leroy (deceased), Henry Wood (deceased). Growing up in Webster Groves, Missouri, had a significant positive impact on Sarah as she learned key elements of life and developed confidence as well as a strong disposition.  She graduated from Vashon High School and continued her education at Durham College (NC) and received her degree as a Medical Records Librarian. She went on to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 23, 2021, surrounded by family and friends.

While living and working in Durham, North Carolina, Sarah met the love of her life, the late Pitzer B. Bradley, Jr.  On December 23, 1950, Pitzer and Sarah were united in Holy Matrimony, in St. Louis, Missouri and then moved to Cleveland, Ohio. From this union, they were blessed with three daughters, Denise, Jeanne’, and Marcia.

She worked tirelessly for many years as a homemaker and a volunteer, after working as one of the first Black Medical Records Librarians at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. She was also employed as a Head Start Teacher at Murtis Taylor and served on its Board of Directors.

Sarah dedicated her life to Christ at an early age, which was instrumental in her becoming a devoted Sunday School Teacher and an active member at Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church and with the 50/50 Club. Sarah was also a volunteer for the March of Dimes and The American Cancer Society. She was a PTA member and served on many PTA committees. She was a dedicated supporter of Easter Seals and the Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church Scholarship Program. While Sarah and Pitzer were both members of the Mt. Pleasant Community Council, she also served as coordinator of the Miss Mt. Pleasant Teen Pageant.  She was proud to lend her time and efforts working on the campaign to elect Cleveland’s first Black Mayor, Carl B. Stokes. Sarah received many awards, trophies, and other accolades for her inspiring and dedicated service as a member of the Community Council, and for her many contributions as an employee at Murtis Taylor.

Even though Sarah was extremely busy she always made time for her beloved family and friends. She loved family gatherings with her children and grandchildren and always greeted everyone with a warm welcoming smile as these occasions were filled with love and laughter.  She enjoyed traveling, going to the movies, dancing, and watching athletic events. She especially loved the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Browns. Most Sundays, you could find her watching the games with her daughter, Marcia, after church. Sarah was a member of the Gazelle Club and cherished socializing with her dear friends, going to the theater, and attending other Club events. As a person who appreciated fashion, you could guarantee that Sarah would dress in the most stylish and current fashions with matching hats at all social functions.

Sarah was preceded in death by her loving husband, Pitzer B. Bradley.  She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughters: Denise P. Bradley (Larry Miller), Jeanne’ R. Bradley (Anthony Jones), and Marcia C. Williams; 10 grandchildren: Adelbert Robinson, Angela Robinson, Shantinque Byrd (El Toro Byrd), Wayne Rogers, Jontue Rogers, Sr., Geno Rogers, Brandon Rogers (Bella Rogers), Dominique Williams, Donald Williams II, D’Angelo Williams; 12 great-grandchildren: Abria Robinson, Sabrina Robinson, Destiny Robinson, Angel Robinson, Brandon Patrick, Orianna Patrick, Jasmine Patrick, Tylief Josey, Jr.,Valerie Josey, Jontue Rogers, Jr., Jada Rogers, Yara Rogers, Braxton Rogers, Braylon Rogers, Eric Barlett, Jr., Naomi Williams, Mila Williams; 2 great-great-grandchildren: Larry Robinson, Chanel Robinson; 7 nephews: Dean Booker, Dennis Booker, Harvey Booker, Jr., Dana Booker,  Bradrick Wood, Culasket (CP) Bradley, and Efrem Bradley;  4 nieces: Patrice Shields, Natalie Wood, Valetta Marr, and Phyllis Jones; and a host of loving cousins and friends. 

A special thank you to the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church Family, Yvonne Gooden, Constance Jones, Brenda Huguley, Diana Huguley, Valerie Smith, Lois Jolly, Monica Jolly, and Pamela Charleston-Lyons.

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