Doris Thomas Bradford

Doris Thomas Bradford died peacefully in her sleep on March 4, 2024. At the time of her death, she was 97 years old having been born on July 2, 1926 in Cambridge, Maryland.  She was the only child of Dorothy Mae (Wroten) Thomas and Guy Steele Thomas of Cambridge.  

She spent a number of years living with her Grandparents Charlie and Henrietta Wroten and growing up in East Cambridge where she had wonderful childhood memories and many friends. She graduated from Cambridge High School in 1943 and remained in touch with her classmates until their final reunion in 2018.  After her graduation, she attended the Cambridge Maryland Hospital School of Nursing until leaving the program in 1945 to marry a dashing “Navy Sailor” she had met. 

She and Brady H. Bradford Sr. (MSgt, USAF, RET), of Crapo, married on April 5, 1945, and remained married for 59 years until his death in 2004. During their marriage she embarked on a lifelong odyssey of traveling with him to various duty stations. She lived on many Air Force Bases including ones in Orange, Texas; Cocoa Beach, Florida; Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; and Westover, MA until settling back in Cambridge in 1960. 

During the mid-1960’s she worked at American Yearbook, Kerr-McGee and at Lednum’s Jewelry Store until she retired. Additionally, she worked with her husband on the distribution of the Baltimore Sun and Daily Banner in Dorchester County for many, many years. Her love of history led her to become very active in genealogy and she was proud that she was able to achieve Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recognition in 2019. She volunteered for years at the Cambridge Maryland Hospital on the Ladies Auxiliary and for the DOCO Republican Women’s Committee.  She also volunteered at the Cambridge Library preparing taxes for community members and as a volunteer on the Veteran’s Recognition Committee.

Doris and Brady were the parents of six children; Robert Allen Sr., Barbara Ann, Dorothy Grace, Brady Henry Jr., Janet Lynne and Charles Edward. She is survived by four of her children Dorothy Bradford-Samonisky of Cambridge, Brady H. Bradford Jr. (Sandy) of Cambridge, Charles “Eddie” (Nancy) of East New Market, and Janet McNeil of Sandy Springs, SC.  She is also survived by her (11) grandchildren Robert Bradford Jr., Carol Ann Trader, Ashley Samonisky, Adam Samonisky, Michele Ornelas, William Bradford, Michael McNeil, Jennifer McNeil, Amanda Hunteman, Zachary Hunteman and Crystal Bradford. Additionally she has (19) Great Grandchildren; Tabitha, Kimberly, Robyn (Robert Jr.), Jaxon, Leila, Phoebe, Tessa, Sonny (Carol Ann), Jessica, Matthew, Dylan, Toby, Rachel (Michele), Leighola (William), Aubrey, Peyton, Bailey, Koen (Jennifer), Hayden (Amanda) and (4) Great-Great Grandchildren; Blake, Wyatt, Grayson and Alisyn (Jessica).

She was preceded in death by her husband Brady, and her eldest two children Robert and Barbara. Additionally, she was preceded by her step-brother Richard “Dickie” Thomas and step-sister, Mildred Lee Thomas.  Her remaining step-sister Pat Armentrout resides in Arizona.   

Doris' family would like to thank Coastal Hospice, especially Brittany, for the care and comfort provided to Doris and the family. 

Pallbearers will be Brady Bradford Jr., Charles (Eddie) Bradford, Adam Samonisky, William Bradford, George Wheatley and Clint Kinnamon. Honorary Pallbearers are Matthew Brault, Dylan Phillips and Nick Newell. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 commencing at 11:00 a.m. at Open Bible Church with Rev. Steve Bloodsworth officiating, 1619 Race Street, followed by burial in the Dorchester Memorial Park Cemetery on Ocean Gateway, Cambridge, MD. Doris' family will receive friends from 10-11am in advance of the service. Arrangements are being handled by the Thomas Funeral Home in Cambridge, Maryland.