Netty Jean Bradford

Netty Jean Bradford, 89, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. Netty was born to Vivian Smith and Clifford Johns on March 4, 1935, in Recovery, Georgia. Netty grew up in Chattahoochee, Florida and moved to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, her first jobs included choir director and pianist at a local Methodist church and a social worker helping members of her community. She then went on to a long career working for the State of Florida where she eventually retired from the Florida Department of Transportation. Although a proud FSU alumnus, Netty enjoyed all things college football. Every Saturday morning, she would clip the college football schedule from the newspaper and mark each game she would be watching that day. Netty was an avid reader and a lover of history. Her home was filled with books of which the majority were biographies of historical figures. When not reading, Netty found joy in gardening and painting. She was incredibly intelligent and wonderfully artistic. The only thing Netty loved more than her hobbies was her family. She was notorious for sharing stories of her twin sister, Betty, and their younger sister, Joanne, and the adventures they had growing up in a small town. More so, she was always proud to brag about her children and grandchildren above all else. She loved and supported them fiercely and they will miss her dearly. Netty is survived by her sons Clifford Sowell (Kelly) of Tallahassee, Florida, Mark Austin of Naples, Florida, Michael Austin (Judy) of Naples, Florida and daughter Melissa Winder of Inverness, Florida; her beloved grandchildren T. Graham Sowell, Patrick Sowell (Rebecca), Emily Austin, Parker Austin, Katie Austin, Cale Austin, Kristin Primeau (Nick) and Jeremy Winder (Halee); and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Clifford “Tip” Johns and Vivian Smith and sisters Betty Johns Bevis and Joanne “Tiny”Johns. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice via: www.bigbendhospice.org/foundation/donate or 1723 Mahan Center Blvd Tallahassee, FL 32308. Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Bradford family with their arrangements.

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Netty Jean Bradford

March 4, 1935 - January 23, 2025