Rachel Christine Wiles Bradford JOHNS ISLAND - Rachel Christine Wiles Bradford, 52, passed away on Saturday, September 14, in her home and surrounded by her loved ones, two and a half years after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She is survived by her husband, Wes Bradford; and their daughters, Sophia and Cara Bradford. Rachel was born on October 1, 1971 to Francis Lee Dilday Wiles and Fredrick Fred Webb Wiles in Atlanta, Georgia. Rachel was a true Girl Scout- she spent her early years dancing, getting straight As and babysitting her little brother, Brian. Throughout high school and college, she saw bands such as R.E.M. in and around Georgia. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Education in 1993. Eighteen years and two children later, Rachel obtained her Master of Education while working full time. In 1994, Rachel met Wes Bradford at a convention in Greenville. They dated long distance for a year before Rachel moved to Charleston. Wes and Rachel married on June 21, 1997 in Lexington. Three years later, they welcomed their daughter, Cara. Sophia was born January 2006. Rachel worked for the Charleston County School District for 25 years. She taught at Mary Ford, Sanders Clyde, and Harbor View elementary schools. Rachel was crowned Teacher of the Year in 2010 and 2016. In 2021, Rachel left Harbor View to return to Sanders Clyde, this time as a reading coach. While Rachel missed having a classroom, she appreciated the challenge and reconnected with friends she taught alongside decades ago. Rachel couldn't go anywhere without being stopped by an old friend or former student. An avid scrapbooker, Rachel kept every class photo. She loved reading and discussing books with her book club and daughter, Cara. Like many teachers, she brought her work home with her, where she would grade papers while watching everything from Survivor to RuPaul's Drag Race with her daughter, Sophia. While Rachel insisted she couldn't cook, she loved to feed people. Friends and family going out to eat with Rachel knew if they wanted to pay, they needed to slip the waiter their card when she wasnt looking. She spent most of her life giving and giving back to her students, family, friends and community. A celebration of Rachel's life will be held at James Island Presbyterian Church on Saturday, September 21st, at 2:00 p.m.

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Sep. 18 to Sep. 19, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Rachel Bradford

12 Entries

Kay D Johnson

January 20, 2025

I love you. I miss you. I am so sorry.

Pamela Peterson

October 2, 2024

I was fortunate to get to know Rachel through our daughter´s friendship. We both started another journey this year with our college girls. I enjoyed getting to know her and will kisss her very much.

Joanna Foster

October 1, 2024

My heart goes out to each and every one of you. Cancer is a cruel cruel thing. I have been told that life is not the physical presence of a person but rather the story they created using that physical presence, and so long as that story is told they shall continue to live on.

MK Ammons

October 1, 2024

I had Mrs. Bradford for 2nd grade and she was awesome. We loved having her as a teacher! I have so many memories from her class. She was so kind-hearted and genuine! After almost 7 years, she recognized me when we both attended a play which shows just how much she cared about teaching. She will be greatly missed

Anne Sanderson

September 26, 2024

I am very sad to know of Rachel's passing. She was such a bright light, and loving person. No matter what was going on around her, she would always respond with that sweet, kind voice. Her caring and giving to was shared with all of us and leaves a permanent positive mark on our heart of a life well lived. God bless you Cara, Sophie and Wes.

Julie Jenkins

September 23, 2024

Rachel was such a welcoming person when I joined the first grade team at Harbor View. I called her mom as she always was there for me and gave me advice when I needed it.

Alicia Williams

September 22, 2024

Rachel was my daughter´s first grade teacher and we were lucky enough to get to know her over the years. I´m so sad to hear of her passing. She was such a light in this world and she will be missed.

Medea Duffy

September 21, 2024

Rachel was one of my favorite people! Such a beautiful, happy, and kind soul; she´ll be deeply missed.

"miss jimmie" sawyer

September 20, 2024

I was saddened to find out about Rachel's passing on saturday. I was in her class for a time period one day a week for 3 years when she taught 2 of my grand daughters. I helped the children with reading and she was always thrilled when every child in her class qualified to be part of the big reward event at the end of the school year. Rachel was a very dedicated teacher and she was a blessing to the many families and the children in her class room. She was special indeed!

Amanda Holseberg

September 19, 2024

My two daughters were so blessed to have Mrs. Bradford. Sara now a Senior was her student for first grade and Lyla now a 7th grade had her for 3rd grade. We all adored Mrs. Bradford. She was too good for this world, and I know she has most certainly gained her angel wings. I will keep her family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.

Gina Jacobs

September 18, 2024

I taught first grade with Rachel at Harbor View and she was an amazing person and friend. I just found out she was sick the day before she died and I am still in shock. Rachel is someone that would help you out in a pinch. She was devoted to her family friend student´s and her community she lived in. We had so many laughs and I can remember numerous times where we laughed so hard that both of us had tears rolling down our cheeks. She was a very special person who was always there to help others in need. She was truly an amazing person whom I will never forget. I love you Rach so please watch out for all of us down here. I know you are healed and have your angel wings. I know how beautiful you must look in there in Heaven. You will never be forgotten. I love you!!!