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In Loving Memory: Louise Radford

February 19, 1933 - September 6, 2020

 

Louise Rider was the youngest and only daughter of three children born to Marie “Mama Ree” Cotton Rider and Louis David “L.D”.Rider in Tyler, Texas.  She graduated from Emmett Scott High School, Class of 51, and continued her education at Texas Southern University in Houston.  After graduating, Louise moved to New York and began an internship as a Registered Dietician at St Luke Hospital. She later moved to Lubbock where she worked at the Methodist Hospital.

On a hot 4th of July day in Lubbock, she was introduced to Aaron Radford, an Airman who was stationed at Reese Air Force Base. Upon meeting each other, a spark was ignited which sealed and united them in Holy Matrimony as husband and wife for 58 years.

The United States Air Force sent Aaron & Louise and their three girls to many destinations - the last being Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas.  Louise was employed by the Austin Independent School District as a Dietician for over 20 years.  She oversaw the operations of many school cafeterias throughout the City of Austin and enjoyed traveling to the various facilities.  She knew the City of Austin like the back of her hand.

Sis. & Bro. Radford did everything together.  Mama Ree nicknamed them (Molly & Polly); you rarely found one without the other.  They loved to bowl and were members of the Treasure Chest and Young at Heart Bowling Leagues for many years.  In addition, they held season tickets for the University of Texas Lady Longhorn basketball team, sitting in the same seats for over 25 years until their health would not allow them to attend.  Louise especially loved her many Texas professional sports teams to include the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and her beloved San Antonio Spurs.  She enjoyed gardening and fishing, and supporting her girls and grandchildren in all of their many endeavors.

Louise became a member of the Alpha Seventh-day Adventist Church on Tillery St. when the family arrived in Austin in 1972.  Aaron became a member of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church right around the corner and each church loved and cherished them both.  Louise served as the Treasurer for many years and was named Treasurer Emeritus after retirement.  Her love for Alpha extended especially to the youth.  With her own personal money, she created the Louise Radford Scholarship Fund, which has helped countless young people as they begin their college careers.  Year after year she would lend a helping hand during Vacation Bible School, and she loved to see the children’s surprised looks when she dressed up in costumes for the Annual Youth Fall Festivals.   In addition, she was also a faithful member of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church Deacon Wives.

Most of all, Louise Radford loved the Lord Jesus Christ, and accepted him as her personal Lord and Savior.  She spent time in the Word, rocking in her recliner every day.  She grew in grace, which was evident in how she treated people and made them feel loved.  Louise was a good listener and confidant.  She was a thoughtful, sensitive, caring and giving person who loved all people.  She lived the words Jesus shared about caring for the less fortunate.  She relished in her work at the Pecan Street Community Food Pantry and people loved her right back.

Louise Radford has left a rich legacy of love each of us can follow: help others when you can, share what you have, support the youth to stay young yourself, take care of your Pastor, always make it to Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting - you need it, love and follow God, and work happily in His vineyard.  These principles guided her life and she was blessed and highly favored.

Louise Radford was preceded in death by her mother, father, and brothers Louis Rider and Andrew Lee Rider, her grandson Brandon Christopher Chiles, and close neighbor (considered family) Deacon John “Jim” Collins, Jr.

Along with many precious memories, she leaves to mourn: the love of her life Deacon Aaron Radford; three daughters Marchelle (Harvey) Simmons, Donna (Brian) Radford-Dalton, and Karen Radford; grandchildren Makeda Simmons, Terrence “TJ” Simmons, and Trace Aaron Dalton; neighbors (considered family); James and Ilinda Williams, Linda Robinson, and Pearl Graham, Alpha Treasury Team and Mama’s Posse; Michele Groomes, Martha Lynn Williams, Dorothy Knox Freeman, Brenda Hornsberry, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends too numerous to list. 

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Louise Radford Scholarship Fund by writing a check to the Alpha Seventh-day Adventist Church (list Louise Radford Scholarship Fund in the memo section).