Gilla Faye Bradshaw

Gilla Faye Brown Bradshaw passed away peacefully at her home on November 7, 2024, with family and friends by her side. She was 72 years of age. Born on June 6, 1952, in Bluefield, Virginia, she was the middle daughter of the late Bertha Bratton Brown and the late Shirley Napolean Brown. Gilla Faye graduated from Graham High School in 1970, and attended Virginia State University on a four-year Cleo Mitchem scholarship. She was an active member of Modis Phi Modis (the pep club) and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Upon graduation, Gilla Faye returned home and began teaching for Tazewell County Schools. Over the course of her 40-year career, she taught at Bishop Elementary, Pocahontas Highland Graham Middle Schools. She was an enthusiastic teacher an enjoyed creating engaging activities for her students. At Pocahontas, she served as a class sponsor and head coach of the JV girls basketball and track teams. Prior to retirement, she continued to instill responsibility and academic achievement in her students through dedicated efforts to prepare her students for the annual SOL tests. Gilla Faye was a lifelong member of Bethel United Methodist Church, where she served as Usher, Communion Steward, Administrative Board Chairperson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sunday school teacher and leader, Vacation Bible School director, and in positions with the United Methodist Women locally and district¬ wide. With her close proximity to the church, she always ensured that a path was shoveled when it snowed to open the doors. Gilla Faye was an avid gardener, working tirelessly to bring color and beauty to her home with a glorious variety of plants and shrubs. She had flowers bloom across her yard from spring to late fall and loved to share seeds and plants with anyone who asked. Gilla Faye is survived by her loving son, Caleb Rexford Bradshaw, Sr., Rex's wife Valeah, and their three children: Caleb, Kacie, and Kane. She loved her three grandchildren dearly and was blessed to have newborn Kane grasp at her nightgown as she was in the closing days of her life. She also leaves behind her sisters, Deborah Neal (Delbert) of Bluefield, WV and Peggy Gray of Bluefield, VA; nephews, Bert Neal (Anne) of Burke, VA and Adrian Gray of Bluefield, VA; her three surviving aunts and uncle, Austin Bratton (Gilda) of Detroit, MI, Betty Adams of Cleveland, OH, and Normanda Thompson (Frank) of Los Angeles, CA; her son’s father, Carlos Bradshaw of Bluefield, VA; and a host of cousins and friends. She also leaves her special Falls Mills daycare friends: Arlene Bowman, Teairri Scott, Jacob Stiltner, Katie Damon, and Lina Akers. Thank you for your kindness and patience. Gilla Faye leaves us with a legacy of community service, stellar academic performance, and a deep love of family and church. A celebration of life service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. on November 16, 2024 at Bethel United Methodist Church, 130 Russell Street, Bluefield, VA with Pastor Carl Madison and Rev. Dr. Michael Bratton officiating with interment at Restlawn Memorial Gardens on New Hope Road, Bluefield, WV. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the service hour. Flower Bearers and Pallbearers will be friends of the family. The family is sing served by Mercer Funeral Home, Bluefield, WV. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Gilla Faye Brown Bradshaw. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness… II Timothy 4:7-8

Gilla Faye Bradshaw

June 6, 1952 - November 7, 2024