Pat Bradley

WEAVERVILLE– Our beloved Pat left us on July 19, 2020 to be in Paradise with the Lord. Although most of her last days were filled with pain and suffering, Pat remained cheerful and hopeful, assured that her destiny had been sealed long ago. The Apostle Paul said that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

Pat was born in Beech Glen, Madison County, NC on March 22, 1941 to loving parents, Alton and Hazel Fleming. It was during this time she enjoyed the idyllic life of an only child “down on the farm.” Eventually this small family moved to Hickory, NC where Pat attended Lenoir-Rhyne College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching. This seemed a natural progression as Pat’s mother, several aunts and one uncle became teachers or professors. Pat took her first teaching position at nearby Clyde Campbell Elementary School. During this time, Pat became a single mother, raising her son, Al, and living with her mother, Hazel. Through Al’s friendship with a fellow classmate at school, Pat would meet the love of her life, Dave Bradley. Not long after this serendipitous meeting, Pat and Dave were married on April 12, 1974. Dave brought his son, Dave, Jr. and daughter, Deborah into this new family and adopted Al as his son. This new clan moved to Sugar Cove near Weaverville, back to their beloved mountains, and where Dave was born and raised. Dave built the house that the family grew up in and he and Pat lived there to this day.

Pat continued her career, teaching first at Red Oak Elementary and later at North Buncombe Elementary, until her retirement after 32 years of educational excellence. During her teaching years, Pat was a member of the National Education Association, and the North Carolina Association of Educators. Pat was a devoted member of Reems Creek – Beech Presbyterian Church. She sang in the choir, helped organize and instruct during Vacation Bible School and led the “Kids Klub” for church youth during the academic school year. Pat was also very active in the Presbyterian Women’s organization, serving on the Churchwide Coordinating Team. She also served many years as an Elder and was Clerk of Session and sat on the board of directors at the Black Mountain Home for Children. A lifelong Democrat, Pat worked tirelessly for several candidates over the years, and would serve as a poll worker and Precinct Chair.

Pat is survived by her devoted husband, Dave, of 46 years; children, Al, Dave, Jr. and wife Jenny, and Deborah Bruce and husband Benny. Pat was cherished and deeply loved by her 7 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. She lived an exemplary life of service, always concerned about others over self, and was an excellent cook. Her Sunday after church meals were legendary. Pat will be sorely missed; it’s very hard to imagine the world without her, but she goes to her divine reward, awaiting her family until that great day when all those in Christ will be together again.

A celebration to honor Pat’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2020 outdoors at Reems Creek – Beech Presbyterian Church, 4 Sugar Cove Road, Weaverville. Rev. Jay Rabuck will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at Maney Branch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to these organizations would be greatly appreciated, Reems Creek – Beech Presbyterian Church, 4 Sugar Cove Road, Weaverville, NC 28787 or CarePartners Hospice c/o WNC Bridge Foundation PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7.

For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mrs. Bradley’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.