Margaret Vantrease Bradley, 84, passed through this life on Tuesday, December 23, 2008. She was born on May 9, 1924 in Social Hill, Arkansas to Badie and Mattie Belle Vantrease. She was preceded in death by her parents, younger sisters, Jimmie Lee Miller Samuels and Rosemary Knight; brother, John Vantrease, and nephew Johnny Vantrease all of Malvern.

Margaret lived most of her life in Malvern on Sulphur Springs Road with her loving and devoted husband of 51 years, Kenneth E. Bradley. She is survived by many close family members including her husband, her "adopted" children, two nieces Kim Knight Cherry of Little Rock, Susan Knight Daniel and William Duke "Bill" Knight, both of Malvern.

Margaret also had four grand nephews who brought great joy and love to her life and theirs. These fine young men, David Wesley Cherry, James Bradley "Brad" Daniel, Daniel Phillip Cherry, and Jared Bartley Daniel, adored their sweet Aunt Margaret and will forever remember the gentle lady who was forever patient, soft-spoken, and always "on their side".

Survivors also include her sister Joyce Vantrease Baswell of Hot Springs, and sister-in-law Dorothy Vantrease of Malvern, and brother-in-law Karl Bradley of Muscle Shoals, Alabama.She leaves special nieces and nephews, Debbie Vantrease, Steve Walker, Cathy Miller Koone, Robin Miller Bookhout, Ann Walker Wooldridge, and Troy Bradley.

Margaret was a faithful longtime member of the First United Methodist Church for nearly seven decades where she praised the Lord and also volunteered countless hours. She was treasurer of Sunday School class and helped lead the church's annual garage sale for a number of years. Her love of these faithful FUMC friends was a great blessing in her live. She retired from First Federal Savings and Loan, and spent her retirement years active in her church circle, PEO, and doing meals on Wheels.

Thanks to all who have sent flowers, cards, prayers, and love. A special thank you to Dr. Bruce Burton and his lively staff who have been so helpful and compassionate for so many years. Many thanks to all of Margaret's many health care givers-we truly appreciate everyone. It always gave her great joy that so many people were so kind and helpful. Special thank you to Jayne West and all the angels who work at the Malvern Nursing Home. Thanks also to Pastor Steve Wingo for his many visits and prayers.

The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Friday afternoon from six until seven thirty.

The funeral will be held at three o'clock Saturday afternoon, December 27, 2008 in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church with Reverend Steve Wingo officiating. Interment will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Steve Walker, Bill Knight, Wes, David, and Daniel Cherry, Larry, Brad, and Jared Daniel, Troy Bradley, Don Koone, Bob Bookhout, and Mike Wooldridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church, Malvern, or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolesnces may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.