Barbara Anne Hawkins Bradshaw

Barbara Anne Hawkins Bradshaw gained her heavenly wings on August 21, 2024 after a lengthy illness.

She was born on a cold, snowy 4th of February, 1936 in Anderson County Hospital to parents, Paul D. and Essie R. Hawkins of Williamston, SC. She married the late Charlie Fletcher Bradshaw, Jr. in 1954 and followed him through his Navy postings and afterward with his career with Sikorsky Aircraft in Stradford CT, where she also worked and they loved to hear her sweet southern voice. They moved to Atlanta and finally to Cayce when he went to work for DOD.

She graduated in the first graduating class of Palmetto High School where she was the “Darling” of the class; cheerleader, basketball player and played the trombone in the band. Since their 25th class reunion, she was the Ringleader of the Palmetto Golden Gang. Barbara was a multi-talented lady who excelled at wearing many hats. Barbara was a Girl Scout leader, church youth leader, handbell player, interior designer, political campaign worker for many campaigns, First Executive Director of the SC Lupus Foundation, charter member of the Columbia Lioness Club, Eye Bank volunteer, and Nana to a host of foreign exchange students as well as local kids.

Barbara is survived by her children: Venetia Sharpe (John), Michael Bradshaw, Patrick Bradshaw (Lisa); grandchildren, Mallory S. Hartgrove (Shawn), Stephen Bradshaw (Sarah-Laney), Sawyer Sharpe (Ryan), Christina Bradshaw; great grands, Orion and Raiden Hartgrove;  sisters, Lucretia H. Smith, Faye Carwile, numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Gloria and Clint Davis and Jody Hart. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Crystal Bradshaw, parents, husband, Charlie and sister, Victoria.

The family wishes to thank Drs. John Gould and Rodney Harrison, the nurses, staff and Chaplain Michael Hillard of Amedisys Hospice for their loving care of Barbara and we the family.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the

MJ Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery, 140 Inway Dr. Anderson, SC.

 A Celebration of her life will be held at a date and place TBD.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Wreaths Across America Program, the cemetery fund of Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, West Columbia, SC; The Crystal Bradshaw Foundation or the charity of your choice.

The South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Please share memories and messages on the online guest book by clicking on the “Leave A Tribute” tab above.