Carrie Secrest Bradshaw

Carrie Secrest Bradshaw, 98, a long time resident of Cleveland Pines Nursing Center, and formerly of Drexel, NC died Sunday, April 8, 2007 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born November 22, 1908 in Burke County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Jeneral Lee Secrest and Addie Berry Secrest, and also the sole survivor of nine siblings. In addition to her parents and siblings, Carrie was preceded in death by her husband, Ersel C. Bradshaw who died in 1988; and their only child, Peggy Jean Bradshaw Harper who died in 1980. Mrs. Bradshaw knew three great loves, "music, reading, and meeting people". Her greatest love was for the town of Drexel, and for the people who resided in it. Carrie enjoyed everything the small town had to offer. She was active in the Garden Club, the Community Club, and Drexel Fair. Mrs. Bradshaw was honored as Drexel’s Woman of the Year for 1976 just one year after her husband, Ersel, was named Man of the Year for 1975. Carrie attended Drexel First Baptist Church, and cared deeply for those who worked and worshipped there. She served as the church organist and also sang in the choir. Mrs. Bradshaw attended worship services as long as she was physically able. Carrie worked at the Drexel Hosiery Mill, Wall Lumber Company, and the News Herald. Her last job was with Burke Memorial Park where she spent many happy years, but retired early to spend time with her husband. Carrie was extremely fond of cats, especially Siamese cats. Her own cat, Cozy, was so well cared for that Cozy lived 22 years, and merited 2 articles in the News Herald. Always honest and sometimes outspoken, Mrs. Bradshaw was quite a personality. She will be dearly missed by both family and friends.

Mrs. Bradshaw is survived by three grandchildren, David Harper of Charlotte, NC, Laura Falls and husband, Robert, of Bostic, NC, and Matthew Harper of Drexel, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at Drexel First Baptist Church with the Reverends Tito Madrazo and Donald Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 until 7:30 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home, and also Wednesday from 1:00 until 2:00 pm at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Drexel Garden Club, c/o Clete Hoyle, PO Box 7, Icard, NC 28666, or to Burke County Friends for Animals, PO Box 1884, Morganton, NC 28680.