Our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Jean Wood Bradford entered her heavenly home in Oceanside, California on February 11, 2024. She fought a courageous fight against congestive heart failure during the past 10 years of her life. Her immediate family surrounded her, and prayed with her, as she took her last earthly breath. Jean was a beautiful woman of faith and was peaceful as she met her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Jean was born in Wilmington, North Carolina where she spent her childhood in Winter Park and attended New Hanover High School.
Jean is survived by her husband William Eugene Bradford, her daughter Catherine Helberg, son William Forest Bradford, her twin sister Barbara Miller (Doug Miller) and her grandson Cody Michael FitzSimmons, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and their families.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Luella Barfield Wood Cooke and John Edward Wood, stepfather Emerson C. Cooke, her beloved brothers Samuel Everette Wood, Walter Lane Wood, and John Edward Wood, father-in-law Carl Bradford and mother-in-law Helen Bradford.
Jean and Gene (Brad) were married for 52 years, he was the love of her life that spoiled her and treated her like the angel she was. She was a loving mother and grandmother who always made time to listen and encourage as well as fill us with love and support.
Jean was a gifted and accomplished pianist who played beautiful hymns for Church congregations, large family gatherings and for friends. Her favorite hymns were How Great Thou Art, In the Garden, Amazing Grace and Meditation by C.S. Morrison. When she played the piano, she ushered in the very Presence of God in worship and reverence. People were touched by her musical talent, and especially the passion in which she played the piano. She taught piano lessons to many children and enjoyed orchestrating piano recitals to showcase their talents to family and friends. She was excited to pass her love of music on to them.
Jean was also an artist. She discovered her passion for Pencil and Ink Drawing in her 70’s and delighted in taking lessons, and having her art framed in her home.
In addition, she began her career with Coca Cola Bottling Company and transitioned into the Medical Community as a Medical Receptionist becoming the welcoming face of every practice she was employed. Patients and colleagues loved her compassionate and kindhearted countenance, and the doctors appreciated her professionalism and organizational skills. Jean never met a stranger, and extended love to everyone she encountered. People gravitated to her warm hearted, beautiful countenance.
Jean was blessed to reside in many beautiful beach communities and enjoyed walking along the shoreline and visiting the many lighthouses in North and South Carolina. She was able to draw inspiration from many trips to North and South Carolina beaches, such as Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, along with Hilton Head Island inspiring her lighthouse and seagull drawings. She also enjoyed walking in the Oceanside Harbor with her little dogs.
Jean dearly loved her “four legged children”, the Chihuahuas she affectionately bred, owned and placed. The homes where Jean’s adorable puppies were placed also became a welcomed part of her extended family.
Jean loved God, her family and her country, and she left this priceless legacy to us all.
The celebration of Jean’s life will begin with visitation, memorial service and reception at Eternal Hills Mortuary and Crematory 1999 El Camino Real Oceanside, California 92054 on Friday February 23, 2024, beginning at 11:30 am and ending at 3:30 pm. This will be officiated by Pastor Mike Killeen from Oceanside Presbyterian Church for family and friends.
The burial will be at Miramar National Cemetery 5795 Nobel Drive San Diego, California on Monday February 26, 2024 at 10:15 am for family only.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Jean Bradford.
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