Elma Jean Bradshaw

Elma Jean Bradshaw died December 15, 2021, in Lynchburg, Virginia. She was born October 28, 1928. in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield is where she grew up, but more importantly where she trusted in Jesus as her Savior at a young age. Jean was called by God to serve beside two men. The first was Robert Quigg, whom she married in 1947. Together, they had five children. They also served side by side for a career as Chaplain and wife in the U.S. Air Force. This included being stationed at home in Texas, Michigan, and Missouri as well as abroad in Japan, Spain and England. Unfortunately, the pressures of life got the best of Robert and Jean and they divorced after 28 years of marriage. Our gracious Heavenly Father, however, was not done with Jean yet. In 1979, she married Melvin Bradshaw and once again faithfully served beside another chaplain and pastor. This time for 41 years, a loving relationship that ended in Melvin's death in March 2021. The following poem captures the essence of who Jean Bradshaw was -- a woman of hospitality as well as a woman willing to go. "As I watch my mother dying in bed, I think of the life she lived. In her home, where we visited so many times, she always greeted us with a warm smile, hugs, and a home cooked meal. We always left refreshed and satisfied! But in her home, she did not always stay for that is not the Christian way. Two examples come to mind, yet I know many more I could find. On 9/11/2001, the enemy hit. My mom, in her 70's then, wasn't willing to just pray and sit. She left her quiet home to go to New York. To clean and scrub in the busy city hubbub. She took her smile and helped remove the pile; to lend a hand; to help heal our land. And when my sister was stricken with cancer, my mom again left her home of peace for the private battle for life -- that within 2 1/2 years would end in death. My sister's life to cease. My mom was in her 80's then. Still a light! Like Caleb, continuing strong in the fight. Now she lay dying at 93. Her body ravaged by sickness; her strength gone. Her work on this earth done. Yet one more trip to take. To go live with Jesus in the home He promised to make! We'll miss her smile but only for a little while. Goodbye Mom! See you on the other side." Jean is survived by four children and four step-children: Stephen (Ann) Quigg; Mark (Barbara) Quigg; Julie (Ralph) Goodwin; Chris (Karen) Quigg; Joel (Jean) Bradshaw; Barry (Pilar) Bradshaw; Ken (Robin) Bradshaw; and Joanne (Tom) Horton. Carolyn Yoder (Jim), Jean's youngest child, died of cancer 12-26-2014. Rick Bradshaw also died December of 2014. Jean is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren (three of which are currently in the womb). What a fruitful legacy! To God be the glory! We love you and will miss you. A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a donation please consider a missionary of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.brookslyon.com. The family is being served by Brooks Lyon Funeral and Cremation Services, 115 Main Street, South Boston, VA.