Edith Nell Smith Bradford

Mrs. Edith ‘Nell’ Smith Bradford, 93, of Elberton, wife of 45 years to the late Ben Mattox Bradford, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Magnolia Estates, with family by her side.

The youngest of eight, Mrs. Bradford was born in Lincolnton on May 17, 1933, daughter of the late Henry Thomas Smith and Eva Brown Smith. She was a member of Francis Asbury Methodist Church and worked alongside Mattox at the family business, Bradford Granite Company.

Nell was an amazing cook, famous for her homemade bread and delicious cinnamon rolls. She loved music and was an excellent piano player. Nell took pride in her yard work, working diligently to keep her grass and many flower beds in immaculate condition.

Surviving are her children and their spouses: Ellen and Merrill Franklin, Melanie and Bob Childs, John and Renee Bradford, and Mark and Sherry Bradford, all of Elberton. She was a loving “Grandmama” and “Nanny” to her beloved grandchildren and their spouses: Jason and Danielle Franklin, Robbie and Brandye Childs, the late Jarrett Franklin and his wife Julie, Ben and Sunny Childs, Josh and Megan Franklin, Hannah and Justin Brown, Corey Bradford and Johna Myers, Caitlin and Nate Lewis, Allen and Marlee Bradford, Matt and Blakeley Bradford, and Alex and Madison Bradford; fifteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings: Sam Smith, Zack Smith, Lucy Gulley, Cynthia Rucker, Doris Marks, Dorothy Brown, and Little Henry Smith.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 20, from 2:00p.m. until 2:45p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. Funeral services, officiated by the Revs. Tim Savelle and Tim Adams, will follow at 3:00p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Private burial will be in the Bradford Family Cemetery. During other times, the family will be at their respective homes.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to Francis Asbury Methodist Church, 1016 Ruckersville Road, Elberton, GA 30635.

The family wishes to extend their sincerest appreciation to the staff of Magnolia Estates as well as to Courtney Whitfield and the staff of Bristol Hospice.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Edith ‘Nell’ Smith Bradford.