Ernestine Broadous, affectionately known as “The Bread Lady,” devoted 40 years of her life to serving her community through the generous distribution of baked goods. Operating four to five days a week, Broadous would fill her car with unsold baked goods from local bakeries and deliver them to churches, charities, food banks, and directly to the homes of those in need.
Her granddaughter, Erica Broadous, fondly remembers how her grandmother would load trays of bread, pies, desserts, and bagels into her car. “Her trunk and back seat were completely full,” Erica recounted. “Neighbors would knock on the door and say, ‘Hey Miss Broadous, I’m just coming to get some bread,’ and Granny would say, ‘Come on in.’ They would come in and pick out what they wanted.”
Through her service work, Ernestine became a model of generosity and compassion for her family and community. “That’s where I learned, just through example, how to serve your community, how to give, how to be generous, how to care for other people,” Erica said, remarking on the profound impact her grandmother’s actions had on shaping her values.
Born in Forrest City, Arkansas, in 1928, Broadous was the eldest of four siblings and never knew her father. Her family’s strong involvement in church activities instilled in her a lifelong passion for service. After graduating from Lincoln High School, Broadous attended Arkansas AM&N College, where she met her future husband, S.Q. Broadous.
The couple’s romance began when S.Q. took a photo of Ernestine for school records, declaring to the school administrator that her photos would be free because he was taken with her. Their love led to a quick marriage in 1953 when Broadous moved to Portland, where S.Q. greeted her at the train station and took her to the courthouse.
S.Q. Broadous was known for his work as a freelance photographer who captured prominent moments in history, including photos of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., during his visit to Portland in the early 1960s. He also ran The Friendly Barber Shop for 40 years, where he provided a space for fellow barbers to grow their businesses.
Eager to make a difference, Ernestine secured a position at Boise-Eliot Elementary School, where she worked as a hall monitor, librarian, and substitute teacher. Her love for children drove her to help not only the students at her school but also the youth in her neighborhood. Erica noted, “She had a huge impact in the upbringing of the children that lived in our community.”
Later on, Broadous pursued nursing, earning her degree and working at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Portland. In a partnership with her cousin, Marcus Freeman, who was a Navy cook, she opened Steen’s Restaurant in Northeast Portland. The establishment offered a wide range of meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, becoming a staple in the neighborhood.
Additionally, Broadous dedicated herself to community activism by presiding over the organization Keep Christ in Christmas, which aimed to emphasize the spiritual aspect of the holiday free from commercialization. She was known for displaying a full nativity scene in her yard, showcasing her deep Christian faith.
At her church, Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, she took on leadership roles, including serving as the president of the Community Vacation Bible School. Her home was a reflection of her beliefs, filled with crosses, Bibles, and gospel music.
Broadous went above and beyond by organizing her Neighborhood Watch program and hosting an annual neighborhood block party, fostering community spirit and cooperation.
“My grandmother lived a life of service. She served the Lord, her family, her church, and her community. Day in, day out, she served,” Erica said with pride.
In her leisure time, Broadous enjoyed cooking, gardening, and scrapbooking, showing her creative side through her passion for sending greeting cards. Erica described her grandmother as a “social butterfly” who had a knack for engaging others in conversation and connecting with everyone she met. “She just loved people and had a bright and bubbly personality.”
Broadous was also cherished as a loving grandmother, embodying the ideal and generous spirit that any child would wish for in a grandparent. Erica emphasized her grandmother’s spirit of giving, stating, “She had such a generous person. She had such a giving spirit.”
Ernestine Broadous passed away on April 2, at the age of 96, leaving behind her loving daughter, Mary Merriweather, her son, Melvin Broadous, and 11 grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, S.Q. Broadous Sr., and her sons, Quiny Lavel Broadous and S.Q. Broadous Jr. Her legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts of those she touched throughout her life of service.
image source from：https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2025/04/ernestine-broadous-who-lived-a-life-of-service-to-her-community-dies-at-96.html
