of Little Rock, AR
June 3, 1914 - September 9, 2016
Essie Bradley passed away on September 9, 2016 at the amazing age of 102. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Patrick Bradley, her parents Lottie and Jim Thomason, and her siblings Irvin Thomason and Winnie Reese.
Essie is survived by one son, Joel Bradley and his wife Kathy, along with one daughter, Patricia (Collier) Gilmore. Also four grandsons: Greg and wife Polly Collier, Tim and wife Lisa Collier, Chris Collier and Stuart Bradley. And great grandchildren Kaitlyn, Claire, Walker, Garrett, Griffin, Jackson, and Nick (Noelle), Collier, and one great, great grandson Ryan Collier!
Essie Bradley was born on June 3, 1914. When asked how she managed to live so long, she always replied, ''I laugh every day!'' followed by her contagious laughter . She had a quick wit and a smile that never vanished. In her later years when it took her a moment to stand and gain her balance, she would insist on standing so she could give everyone a proper hug.
She was born and raised in Hot Springs, Arkansas, but moved to Little Rock in the mid 60's, where she worked at Blaylock Draperies. Essie was an active member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church while she was physically able. Throughout her life she had a profound love for animals, always having pets until she moved to Good Shepherd in 2005. She lived there with her many good friends for 11 years prior to living at Presbyterian Village for the final two months of her life.
Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel at 10:00 am on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, with the funeral at 11:00 am, officiated by Father L. Warren Harvey. Burial proceedings will follow at Memorial Gardens in Hot Springs. Pallbearers are grandsons and great grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Kevin Hiegel and Dr. Scott Stern.
We wish to give special thanks to the staffs at Presbyterian Village and Gentiva Hospice for taking such good care of Essie and keeping her as comfortable as possible. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church or to the Pulaski County Humane Society.
Sign Guestbook
3 Condolence(s)
Richard and Linda Shiflett (Blaylock Draperies)
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Essie was a very special lady that shared our lives and our business for many years. Regardless of the situation in the workroom, Essie found something to laugh about and cheer us up. We exchanged Christmas cards and phone visits long after our working years were finished. She was always a cheerful spot in our lives and will be missed.
Wanda Brophy
Monday, September 12, 2016
Ms. Essie has been a part of my life for 24 years. She was very witty and always laughing. When I was feeling down all I had to do was talk to her. I will miss her so very much, To her family I want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rest in love, Ms. Essie, rest in love.
Jim Hardwick
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Essie has been a regular topic of conversations with my Mom for the last 40 -50 years until my Mom’s death last Thanksgiving. Her name and stories would come up whenever we inquired of Mom about her youth. When Essie moved to Good Shepherd, Mom started providing Essie with her own personal taxi service for shopping purposes. I am sure that helped to maintain Essie’s status at Good Shepherd where it was obvious that she ruled the roost. Later, Mom joined the Good Shepherd community as well. In short, Essie played a big role in the oral history of my family. I remember her big birthday bash at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock and her 100th birthday celebration at Good Shepherd!
All her friends and family that she left behind will miss her, but she has been joyfully reunited with so many old friends and relatives in the process. Those of us who still remain, all pay homage to the Grand Old Lady called “Essie.”