The Life of Lura Colvin Bradfield

Abused as a child and later as a wife, Lura Bradfield never considered herself a victim. An inspiration to many, she shaped an illustrious career at a time when most women didn't work and devoted her life to helping others. She was a feisty lady, living out her red-haired personality to the fullest.

At age 7, Lura Bradfield and her family moved to Washington, DC from Liberty, Missouri. A proponent of education for women, she graduated in 1923 from Central High, and studied at George Washington University, American University, and the Department of Agriculture Graduate School.

Lura was employed by the Department of Agriculture, the Civil Service Commission, and the Central Intelligence Agency for several years as a secretary, a management analyst, and an education director. During World War II, she became one of the first women bond traders on Wall Street.

Despite the abuse she suffered, or perhaps because of it, she appreciated beauty in all parts of life. As an active member of Ikebana International, she traveled to Japan, Europe, and the Caribbean. She was a calligrapher, pianist, and avid raconteur.

Lura was a loyal volunteer at the St. Alban's Senior Center, St. Patrick's Episcopal Church E.C.W., the Florence Crittenton Foundation and many other organizations. At times she volunteered five days a week for five separate organizations. She was always the willing care-giver to her brother, neighbors, and friends, and was devoted to her 22 year old cat, Gretchen.

Lura was a frugal person who denied herself material pleasures as she grew her investments to a substantial sum by the time of her death. As a result, her memory will live on through LBF. In the years to come, many women will benefit from Lura's generosity, her concern that women receive an education, and that battered women, like her, will not be left behind as victims.