Ellaree Demetria Cunningham (Bradford) was born January 3, 1927 in Lancaster, South Carolina to the late Robert Cunningham and Laura Hammonds. In 1958 she was united in holy matrimony to the late Earl Bradford. From their union was born one child, Olga Elaine Bradford (Owens), Esquire. Ellaree was an education enthusiast matriculating in the segregated school districts of Lancaster, South Carolina. She graduated with honors from the Lancaster Training School. Ellaree enrolled in and obtained her education at Fayetteville State Teachers College in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Education; and in 1955 she completed her Graduate studies earning the Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education at the Indiana University, in Bloomington, Indiana. She began her professional career in the Spartanburg, South Carolina, school district. In 1963, she relocated to Lakewood, New Jersey and began teaching at the Clifton Avenue Elementary School, becoming one of the first African American educators in the district. She later taught at Spruce Street Elementary School. Ellaree taught for nearly 40 years in the Lakewood District and upon retirement, she devoted her time to her family and her interests. Ellaree was diligent and dutiful in her faith and community service. In the early 1960's she joined the Sixth Street Baptist Church in Lakewood, New Jersey, serving on both the Trustee Board and Federal Credit Union for more than 30 years; was a "Lifetime Member" (Golden Heritage) of the NAACP; an avid bowler; a traveler; but most important, she was a great mother and provider for Olga and a loving grandmother to her grandchildren. On Friday morning, July 27, 2012, God requested her presence in "A City Called Heaven," and without any adieu she accepted the invitation to join and reunite with family and friends who predeceased her. While we mourn and grieve her passing, we celebrate her accomplishments in this life. She bequeathed a legacy of love and pride that lives on in her family. She leaves behind her daughter, Olga Bradford-Owens, Deputy Attorney General, her son in law, Rev. D. Keith Owens (Pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Jersey City, New Jersey); her grandchildren, Ashley Lauren, Danielle Christina and Miles Bradford Owens; and several cherished relationships that neither time nor eternity can eclipse, also survived by a host of other loving relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Salem Baptist Church Scholarship Fund. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Ellaree Demetria Cunningham. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add our own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.