Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Sue Bradford will be conducted at 11:00 am on Monday, July 27, 2026 from the sanctuary of New Hebron Baptist Church with the Reverend Andy Fullington officiating. Interment will follow in the New Hebron Cemetery. Mrs. Bradford, age 87, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord at her home in Byram late Thursday night, July 23, 2026. Saulters Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family will receive friends on Monday morning beginning at 9:00 am untl the hour of service at 11:00 am at New Hebron Baptist Church.

Mrs. Bradford will be carried to her final rest by those honored to serve as pallbearers including Charles Sebron Bradford, William Keith Bradford, Chadwick Lee Bradford, Keller Bradford, Walker Bradford, Nathan Benson, Joseph Bradford, Samuel Bradford, and John Paul Bradford. Garrett Bradford, Albert Fortenberry, Robert Fortenberry, John Turnage, John Turnage, Jr., Jack Gatlin, Louie Gatlin, Asa Gatlin, Jo Jo Gatlin, and Joel Gatlin will serve as honorary pallbearers. 

Mary Susan Bradford was born on February 27, 1939, in the Crooked Creek Community of Lawrence County, Mississippi to Shelton, Sr. and Clara Lee Culpepper. Mary Sue was a proud graduate of New Hebron High School, where she played basketball and served as a majorette. Soon after graduation, she married the love of her life, Charles Keith Bradford, Jr., beginning a lifelong partnership built on faith, love, and devotion.

The young couple first made their home in Greenwood, where Mary Sue worked in marketing and bookkeeping for Snider Appliance Store, one of the area's premier appliance retailers. They later moved to Jackson before eventually settling in Byram. During her years in Hinds County, Mary Sue worked as a bookkeeper for Gayfers Department Store before accepting a position as secretary at West View Baptist Church in Jackson. She faithfully served the church for more than 20 years, retiring after a career marked by dedication and quiet excellence.

It was at West View Baptist Church that Mary Sue's servant's heart shone most brightly. She was a faithful and dependable presence, serving her church family with grace, humility, and unwavering commitment. Whether assisting members, supporting the ministries of the church, or making certain the Sunday bulletin was prepared each week, she approached every task as an act of service to the Lord.

While Mary Sue found fulfillment in her career and ministry, her greatest calling and deepest joy were found in being a devoted wife and loving mother. She poured her heart into raising her sons, instilling in them the values of faith, integrity, kindness, and hard work, shaping them into exemplary men.

Family was the cornerstone of Mary Sue's life. Her children fondly remember the close bond she shared with her parents and siblings, a closeness that naturally extended to them. They grew up surrounded by the love of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, creating cherished memories that remain among their greatest treasures. Gatherings around the family table, afternoons spent shelling peas, canning vegetables, and simply enjoying one another's company became traditions that reflected the love and unity of their family. Those simple yet meaningful moments are forever woven into the tapestry of her sons' lives and stand as a lasting testament to the legacy of love and family that Mary Sue leaves behind.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Shelton and Clara Culpepper; her husband, Charles Keith Bradford, Jr.; her son, Timothy Bradford; and her siblings, Clara Juanita Thomas, and Virginia Turnage.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her sons, Charles Sebron Bradford (Amanda) of Gluckstadt, William Keith Bradford (Amber) of Clanton, AL, Chadwick Lee Bradford (Jenny) of Raymond; her brother, Shelton "Bud" Culpepper (Kathy) of Laurel; and her sisters-in-law, Debbie Bradford August (Charlie) and Wanda Bradford (Doc), both of New Hebron. The legacy of their Mamaw will also live on through her grandchildren, Keller Bradford (Mackie), Lanie Bradford, Walker Bradford, Clara Maxfield Benson (Nathan), Joseph Bradford, Samuel Bradford, John Paul Bradford, Catherine Ladner (Hannah), Sarah Belle Ladner, and her great-grandson, Kase Bradford.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.