passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021. She was born on September 28, 1929 to Ola and William “Luther” Venable in Dumas, Arkansas. She graduated from Dumas High School and married Hercel L. Bradley in 1947. She and Hercel had two children, Joyce and Keith, and raised their family in Wichita, Kansas. Jo worked as a nursing home administrator for 27 years in Wichita and ran a tight ship. She and a colleague were part of the first peer review team in 1970 when administrators were first licensed in the State of Kansas. In retirement, she worked locally for Senior Companions of Wichita for 9 years and loved being able to continue to work with older adults as she had done in her career. She loved bingo, trips to the casino, and having all of the family together as often as possible.
Nana Jo was a fierce protector of her family and loved them with a passion, unconditionally in every way. Jo would often say “I want all of my grandkids to think they’re my favorite.” She had an incredible sense of sarcastic humor and was a vibrant matriarch of her family. Her dynamic personality and unconditional support and love will be sorely missed.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Hercel L. Bradley (1994) and her daughter, Joyce E. Fields (2003), and her parents, Ola and Luther Venable. She is survived by her son, H. Keith Bradley (Marti), her grandchildren, Brandi Warden (Michael), Jason Bradley (Kristin), and Justin Bradley (Adasha), and Chelsea Paiz (Paul), as well as 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude children's research hospital.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 4-6pm and memorial service will be Friday, October 29, 2021 at 1pm, both at Resthaven Mortuary.
