Carolyn Powers Bradshaw

Carolyn Powers Bradshaw, 80, of Wachapreague, VA, passed away at her residence on Monday, January 15, 2024. Born May 20, 1943 in Wachapreague, she was the daughter of the late Otho and Lucille Powers.

Carolyn graduated from Central High School in 1961, married in 1962, and later had two sons, JD and David, and moved to Smith Beach, VA. After returning to Wachapreague in the late 70s, Carolyn worked as a substitute teacher for Accomack County Public Schools and Roses Department Store in Onley, VA for over 27 years until retiring to care for her mother. She was a longtime member of Powellton Presbyterian Church and enjoyed reading bible scripture.

Some of Carolyn’s favorite performers were Kiss, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones, Elvis, Tom Jones, and Jimi Hendrix. She was an avid Baltimore Ravens fan and enjoyed watching the Kentucky Derby. Her hobbies included, but were not limited to, gardening, bird watching, going to the beach, Yoga, taking her sons and their friends to rock concerts, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She loved martial arts movies with Bruce Lee and her favorite actors were Don Johnson (Miami Vice) and Tom Selleck (Magnum P.I.). She also enjoyed listening to JD and David’s music groups and was the loudest one in the crowd cheering them on throughout the years. For those who knew her personally, she enjoyed a good joke, loved to laugh, was always ready for a day trip to Ocean City, MD, and had a fondness for Ford Mustangs, Chevy Corvettes, a slice of pizza, and Utz potato chips. She loved her family very much and will be missed dearly.

She is survived by her sons, JD Bradshaw and his wife, Leslie, and David Bradshaw and his significant other, Nancy. She was also known as “mom” to Elden Riffle, Tom Brunner, and Tom Lutz.