Clara (Walker) Bradford Obituary (1949 - 2024)

Clara Mae Walker-Bradford the oldest of two, was born January 14, 1949 to the late Clarence and Zella Mae Walker. Clara grew up in the East Austin area, and attended Austin Public Schools, graduating from"The Original L.C. Anderson High School class of 1967. In her early stages of life she attended Sunday School and was a part of the "Sunbeam Youth Choir" at Metropolitan AME Church, under the leadership of the late Reverand Thomas. After meeting her 1 st Husband, the late Charles Bradford in 1971 they wed in 1972 and attended 19 th Street Baptist Church until his passing in 1987. In 1980 Clara Mae started her 37-year journey at Texas School for The Deaf, starting as a overnight attendant and within her 2nd year she was a houseparent until her retirement in 2017 as a Residential Supervisor. During her 1 st summer she became a certified interpreter, interpreting at Greater Mount Zion in screen plays. Where she was discovered by Travis County Services for The Deaf and became one of the few 1 st Black Certified Interpreters in the Austin Texas area. Upon her return to Metropolitan AME Church, she became a part of The Friday Free Lunch Ministry, teaching Sunday and Vacation Bible School, as well as on every 3 rd Sunday she was assisting with the Youth Church Teaching committee. With the help of her sister the late Cindy Walker together they started "The Garden", which is now known as "The Prayer Garden." On most Saturdays she could be seen working in "The Prayer Garden" with the help of her one and only Great Nephew Zion Clarence and dear friend John Barr. In 2006 she met and later married the late Anthony Cooney in 2007 until his passing in 2010. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, gardening, baking, and spending time with family and friends. Clara is proceeded in death by her parents Clarence and Zella Walker, only sister Cindy Walker, both late husband's Anothy Cooney and Charles Bradford. She is survived by her nieces Jessica and Melissa Miller, God-Daughter Anika Collins (Deon), Great Nephew Zion, Cousin/Sister Nancy Howard, and a host of many family members and special friends. Sister Bradford-Cooney started her Heavenly journey January 8, 2024.