- Date Of Birth: December 21, 1934
- Date Of Death: June 11, 2016
- State: Idaho
E. Shirley Bradford of Caldwell, 81, passed away on June 11 at Saint Alphonsus Hospital in Boise with the comfort of her family by her side.
Shirley was born on December 21, 1934 in Jackson, Tennessee, the first child to Warren Abe and Clara Mae Lewis. When Shirley was five the family moved to Nampa, Idaho where she entered elementary school. Shirley was an enthusiastic student, loved attending class and making new friends. When Shirley was ten, her sisters, Judy Beets and Joann Lewis, were born. Shirley loved caring for the twins. Following her graduation from Nampa High School, Shirley married her high school sweetheart Carrol Edward Johnston on May 1, 1955. In 1972, Shirley and Carrol built their home in Caldwell, Idaho where they raised cattle, horses, and their two children, Sheree Shannon and John Johnston. Shirley also worked as a Teacher’s Aid in the Vallivue school district, where she was able to further share her love and encouragement. Her husband Carrol passed on August 19, 1981.
Through a mutual friend, Shirley was introduced to Jay E Bradford. Jay had lost his wife Chris Bradford the same month that Carrol had passed. Beyond their recent hardships, Shirley and Jay found they had much in common and quickly fell in love. On February 18, 1983, they were married in Winnemucca, Nevada. From their marriage ceremony forward, Shirley and Jay were inseparable. Beginning in 1985, and for the next 16 years, they spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona. There, Shirley enjoyed making jewelry, decorating their home, and made many enduring friendships.
In 1996 Jay and Shirley built their home in Caldwell, Idaho. After her family, Shirley’s great love was her home. She loved decorating and gardening. Especially gardening, as she seemed most content when she was working in the soil. She spent countless hours creating and nurturing her beautiful yard. For many it was difficult to believe such beauty was born from a humble pasture.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Judy.
Shirley is survived by her children: Sheree Shannon, John Johnston, Janet Bradford, Teresa Bradford, Ron Bradford, Connie Denison, Kent Bradford and their spouses. Shirley was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
