Surrounded by her family, the journey from Earth to Heaven was completed for Oneida Durham Bradford on Friday, July 18, 2025. God saw that the road was getting rough, the hill was hard to climb. He gently closed her loving eyes and whispered, "Peace be thine". In a gentle way he called his faithful and beloved servant home to rest. Quietly and peacefully the angels escorted her soul from a world of sin, sorrow and pain to a place of joy, peace and eternal rest.

It was On July 20, 1941the Butler Community (Fairfield, Texas) that the blessing of God forever embraced us, this time the blessing was given to the late Walter (Nit) and Ovena (Sis) Durham. The blessing was a beautiful, bouncing baby girl. Her name would be Oneida. She was the fourth of ten children. At an early age, Oneida was introduced to the ways of the Lord when she joined the Lone Star Baptist Church, Oakwood, Texas. She learned God's word and continued to show it in her daily walk throughout her entire life.

Oneida graduated from the Butler Independent School District Fairfield, Texas with honors. She had a zeal for learning; therefore Oneida furthered her education by attending Prairie View A&M University. She attained a Bachelor of Science Degree, Master's degree and Administrative Credentials from this University.

She met and married her soul mate William Eugene Bradford in September1959. To this union one daughter was born named Beryl. She was her parents' "heartbeat". It was obvious that Beryl enlightened their life with much joy and love.

She had a stellar reputation and a distinguished career. Oneida served in many educational capacities – teacher, transportation specialist, assistant administrator, and campus leader (principal). Her professional career began as a teacher with the Centerville Independent School District of Centerville, Texas where she was recognized as a trailblazing teacher that inspired her students to learn! Due to her dedication, ability and passion to teach and mentor students, her rookie beginning put her in position for educators to observe her worthiness. She was offered a position with the Dallas Independent School District. Her campuses included Hulcy Middle School, Martha Turner Riley Elementary, Prescilla Tyler Elementary, and Erasmo Seguin Elementary. She rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the students of the Dallas Independent School District for over thirty years. She was regarded by her fellow administrators and colleagues as committed to providing quality education to all students.  Her philosophy was that we need to educate the total child (morally, spiritually, and educationally). It was evident that she loved children because she mentored and encouraged many young people. She displayed class and elegance in everything that she did.

Oneida's journey included her love for her church, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under leadership of late Reverend Samuel Washington, Sr. Pastor. She served as a prayer warrior, teacher, worshipper and a witness. She served in many capacities throughout the years (Sunday School, Mission, Vacation Bible School, Revival Coordinator, Culinary Ministry, Friendship District Congress and Association, provide housing for youth, advocate for the less fortunate, Trustee appointee, church financial consultant.

In addition to her parents, two brothers (Gene Autry – Bobby Jean) and one sister (Janet Gail) proceeded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her legacy: Her beloved daughter (Beryl), her granddaughters (Cobria and Britney Grant), great grandson (Caden Grant), her two brothers, James and Walter Jr. (Lucy) of Oakwood, Texas and four sisters (4) Bettye Herring, Lela Parks, Lawanda Mitchell of Dallas, Texas and Jo Mitchell of Oakwood, Texas, One devoted sister in love Dorothy Hall – Jenkins (Manuel) Odessa, Texas. She also has a myriad of nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. Oneida leaves an abundance of precious memories for those that remain to meet her in the rapture.

Oneida is not dead-She is just away!

Yesterday I was with you. Such joy and love we shared. Today I am absent from you. But tomorrow, we'll be together again. "God has spoken, Let the church say AMEN"