January 13, 2021 – Pauline received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Portland State University in 1970. She then accepted an offer from Portland Public Schools to teach at Peninsula Elementary School. She started as a kindergarten teacher. In 1979, she took a sabbatical and completed her Masters in Education from the University of Portland. She returned to Peninsula school and was then promoted to Teacher on Special Assignment. At that time, her duties were that of a Vice-Principal at an Elementary School.
Pauline Miller Bradford. Photo courtesy the Bradford family.
At the same time Pauline also was a committed community volunteer and was recognized by many organizations for her dedication, service and her readiness to share her knowledge of the history of the area, as well as advocacy for fairness to all. Her goal was to elevate all with whom she came into contact, and to ensure the preservation of African American history in Portland. She totally embraced the motto: “Lifting as we Climb”. She was inducted into the NACWC Hall of Fame in 2012, one of the first inductees. Her crowning pride was being honored in 2013 as one of Portland’s Black Pioneers by the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs.
Our condolences go out to Pauline’s family. She will be missed by so many. Please visit the website, terryfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Pauline-Miller-Bradford, to read about the 92 years of Pauline’s dedicated and fascinating life.