Ernest L Bradfield Sr.

In the still dawning of a brand new day Feb. 3, 2012, Ernest Leandra Bradfield walked courageously up the Kings Highway to Heaven. Ernest was born on June 11, 1939, to the proud parents of Mr. and Mrs. James (Annie Mae) Alexander Bradfield, Sr. of Memphis, TN. He was the second eldest son of eight children born to their union, which consisted of 5 boys and 3 girls. From birth, Ernest was christened at an early age under Pastor Emeritus Gibson of the Centenary United Methodist Church on Alston Avenue in Memphis. His gentle giant of a servant’s heart was recognized very early in life as he started his pilgrimage at the age of 12 years old as a distinguished shoe shine apprentice in his father’s well known Bradfield’s Barber Shop at 743 Walker Avenue in Memphis, TN. Ernest attended and graduated from The Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis as well. His energetic spirit was realized early on. Upon graduation he moved to Detroit, Michigan and worked for Ford Motor Company until he retired after 35 years of service as a long haul truck driver and outstanding member of their union. He is survived by his wife Georgette, brothers, Percy (Sue) of Grandville, KS, Marvin Bradfield of Memphis, TN; sisters Jacqueline Bradfield-Smith of Ellenwood, GA, Marjorie Bradfield-Booker of Houston, TX; son Ernest Jr.; stepdaughter Donna Baker of Detroit, MI; 3 grandchildren Damien, Kendra and DeVonte and their loving mother Barbara Adams of Detroit, MI and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins as well as his true rainbow coalition of friends and neighbors in Mesa, AZ where he has resided for the past 14 years of his life. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, February 17, 2012 at 12 Noon at Mariposa Gardens in the Cemetery Chapel 6747 E. Broadway Rd. Mesa, Arizona. Inurnment will follow the service in Mariposa Gardens. We salute you “Ernie” as his dearest friends affectionately called him for the beautiful life lessons you left embedded upon our hearts.