Pastor Charles B. Bradford Sr.

The Life and Legacy of Pastor C.B. Bradford Sr.

Rev C.B. Bradford Sr. entered this life on December 14, 1979. He was born in Chicago, IL, to Carmelita Bradford and raised by his maternal grandparents, Charles and Rosetta Bradford. He was devoted to serving his heavenly Father at an early age and gave his life to Christ under the leadership of the late Rev. W.L. Blackwell. At age 7, he was called to preach. At age 18, he answered that call and was ordained at the age of 20.

Rev C.B. Bradford Sr.’s early years are a testament to 1 Timothy 4:12, where Paul tells Timothy, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in the word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." Rev C.B. Bradford Sr. not only knew Paul's words, but he believed them and lived them out accordingly. In his youth, he knew the magnitude of the calling over his life and set out to spread the gospel.

After graduating from Whitney M. Young High School, he received his Bachelor's and Master's Degree at Roosevelt University while also attending the Chicago Baptist Institute for Divinity. Rev. C.B. Bradford Sr. served as a Siloam associate minister and interim minister.

In 2001, he accepted the invitation to serve as the youth Pastor of Union M.B. Church under the leadership of his idol, Dr. M.E. Alexander. On Sunday, November 14, 2010, he was called to serve as the Proud Pastor of Starlight St. James M.B. Church. He served until the Lord called him home. Under his leadership, major renovations were accomplished at SSJ, and many souls came to Christ. Still…the greatest accomplishment of his pastorate was the re-establishment of the family spirit in the church. In 2016, he was selected to serve as the 1st Vice Moderator of the Christian Unity Baptist District Association. He was an active member of the Chicago Baptist Ministers Conference and the Baptist Pastor's Conference Family. In 2017, he married Jasmine Smith, and two children were born to this union, Charles Jr., Christian Asher, and an older son, Justen Smith, who was raised as his own.

Rev C.B. Bradford Sr. was a man who, on many occasions, wore multiple hats. He was indeed a man after God's own heart, and his impact was felt beyond the pulpit. He had a genuine heart for people with the ability to make everyone around him feel loved. He lite up the room with the smiles he put on people's faces using one of his infamous jokes. His infectious spirit was felt the moment he walked through any door, and his legacy lives on through his family, his impact on the community, and his beloved church, SSJ. In II Timothy 4:7-8, Paul said to Timothy: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” Well done" Rev. CB Bradford!

Rev C.B. Bradford Sr. is preceded in death by his beloved Mother, Carmelita Bradford, and his maternal grandparents, Charles and Rosetta Bradford.

He leaves to embrace his memory, Wife, Lady Jasmine Bradford, 3 Sons, Justen Smith, Charles Bradford Jr., Christopher Asher Bradford; 4 Aunts, Regina Seabrooks, Patsy Peters, Desiree Bradford, and Mary Bradford; 3 Uncles, Charles Bradford, Bernard Bradford, and Earl Bradford, A God sister, Kimberly (Jerome) Jones; Mother‐in‐law affectionately known as "Ma"‐Vicky (Charles) McCullum; Bonus Grandparents‐ Beverly (Charles) Gaston; The Starlight St. James Church Family; His Best Buddies‐ Pastor Marvell Beckham and Pastor Marcus (Wanda) Beckham, and a host of Godchildren, Godmothers, cousins, relatives, and friends.