Mrs. Phyllis Ann Bradley

“For we know that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God,
an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."  2 Cor 5:1

With longing in her heart and a song on her lips, Lady Phyllis Ann Bradley left the earthly house of her tabernacle to join her Love and her Lord in Glory.  She boarded her chariot on Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023.  Born January 10, 1938 in Birmingham, AL, Phyllis was the second of eleven children born to Cynthia L. Lyons and Robert Thomas Sr. 

After completing high school, Phyllis left Alabama to visit her Aunt Naomi Sanders in Albany, New York and decided to stay.  She was employed by Travelers Insurance, Legal Aide where she remained for many years.

Phyllis was baptized as a young girl at Antioch Baptist Church in Smithfield Birmingham, Alabama.  After relocating to Albany, she united with the Union Baptist Church, where she sang in the church choir.  It was at Union that she met the love of her life, Robert L. Bradley in 1957, where they were both members. In 1959 the two were married and began their life together.  They were blessed with three children, Robert Jr., Tracey and Derrick.

Once her husband was called to pastor the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Phyllis assumed the role of First Lady with style and Grace.  Her humble spirit and charming personality preceded her elegance.  She faithfully served the church in various capacities, to include Deaconess Ministry, a member of both Sunday School and Bible Class and the choir.  Her beautiful voice and her love of music made her a great asset to the music ministry.  Often rendering her gift of song for church events and Association and Convention Sessions.  She volunteered for various events and loved hosting the community Church Annual Sidewalk Sale, where she donated clothing, shoes and other items.  

Lady Phyllis was very involved in the Golconda Council of Baptist Ministers Wives and Widows, holding various positions to include, both Vice and President, hearts and a flowers card ministry.  As helpmetes to their husbands, this sorority of sisters are a support system for each other, while also hosting various community events.  Her favorite was always the Annual Concert and Annual Christmas Party.  As a gifted vocalist, she always had a solo lead in the concert.  Her ministry of compassion lifted many heads and encouraged countless hearts because She never missed a birthday or special occasion, you always received a handwritten card from Lady Bradley.  

Phyllis’s Light also extended beyond the community to the state level. She held the position of Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary and Area Vice President for the Ministers’ Wives and Widows of Empire Baptist Missionary Convention.  Lady Bradley  always enjoyed the rich fellowship with all her Sister Ministers Wives.

Phyllis had the voice of an Angel.  A high soprano songbird who loved singing.  She got great joy out of singing praises to her God.  Some of her favorites were Jesus, You’re the Center of my Joy, Great Is Thy Faithfulness and Change.  

Phyllis loved her family, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren  were her greatest joy.  She loved the special times with her siblings.  Those family reunions and girls trips were always so special.  She and her husband loved traveling and did it often.  

Phyllis leaves to cherish her memory,  her beloved children, Robert L. Jr., Tracey N. (Charles) Shaw, Derrick F. (Norma) Bradley; adoptive daughter, Rhonda (Jerome) Brown; siblings, Charles Lyons (Brenda), David Lyons, Cecelia E. Lyons, Cynthia Williams (Fanado) & Johnnie M. Lyons, all of Birmingham, Alabama; In-Laws, Roberta Young, Abdul Salaam, Richard Bradley, Loretta McKenzie, Brenda May, Linda Simmons; also leaves eight (8) grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,  many adoptive children, Mt. Zion Church Family, Union Church Family, Golconda Council of Baptist Ministers Wives and Widows and a community of Christian relatives and friends that will sorely miss her spirit among them.

Lady Phyllis Ann Bradley was predeceased by her husband Rev. Dr. Robert L. Bradley, just 111 days before her departure.  Also predeceased by her grandson TShad Bradley Clark, Granddaughter Kayla M. Bradley, her parents, In-Laws, Lottie and Robert Bradley, siblings Betty J. Rudolph, Robert Thomas, Jr., Jarrett Lyons Sr., Roberta Reese, & Cleophus Lyons. 

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