Karen Kelley Bradford

Karen Kelley Bradford, age 71, of Lexington, KY, formerly of Harrogate, TN, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, Lexington, KY. She was born in Detroit, MI, on January 12, 1955, to James W. and Marianne Wasolek Kelley, who preceded her in death.

Karen was a lifelong member of St. Julian Catholic Church, Middlesboro, KY, and a retired nurse who devoted more than 20 years of service to Appalachian Regional Healthcare in Middlesboro. Family was the center of her life, and she especially treasured time spent with her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She also had a lifelong love of reading and enjoyed books of all genres.

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Jerry Bradford and brothers, James W. Kelley and John T. Kelley.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Christie (Doug) Martin, Kerry (Debbie) Bradford, and Kelley (Taylor Heath) Kelley; grandchildren, Jackson Martin, Harper Martin, Gavin Bradford-Maiden, Benjamin Bradford-Maiden, Abbey Riggs, Jonathan Moore, Brittany Nickerson, Declan Kelley and Nolan Kelley; brothers, Chris (Dianne) Kelley, Dennis (Libbie) Kelley, Tim (Cathy) Kelley and Bill (Robin) Kelley; sister, Carole (Luster) Powers; and sisters-in-law, Edie Kelley and Blanche Kelley, as well as a host of special nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family of Karen Bradford will receive friends on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., at St. Julian Catholic Church, Middlesboro, KY. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. with Father Yohanes Akoit, Celebrant.

At the conclusion of the Funeral Mass, family and friends will travel in procession to Green Hills Memorial Gardens, Middlesboro, KY, where graveside services will be held.

Pallbearers will be Luster Powers, Gavin Bradford-Maiden, Benjamin Bradford-Maiden, Taylor Heath, Jacob Kelley, and John “Cosey” Kelley, Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Martin, Jackson Martin, Declan Kelley and Nolan Kelley.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alzheimer’s Association (https://donorservices.Alzheimer's Association ) or your local Humane Society.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Karen Kelley Bradford are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.