Katherine Bradley

Mary Katherine Merrill Bradley loved unconditionally and cherished her faith in God, her family, her church, and her friends.

Katherine had been married to the love of her life, John Bradley, for 64 years before his passing in 2011. She was the caring mother of Mike Bradley and Sandy Mundell; the mother-in-law of Claudia Siniard Bradley and the late Dr. Lee Mundell; the grandmother of Bradley Mundell, Isaac and Lucy, Addison and Jeff, Jess and Hannah; and the great-grandmother of Wren, Kylie, Jackson, Yates, and Hannon.

Katherine was born on May 15, 1928 at home in Little River, to Mary Effie Pearson and Gaillard Rex Merrill. She was one of eight siblings, with six sisters and one brother. Being one of eight children, she became a strong woman, with great patience. Her siblings are the late Lois Hall (Aldon, Jr.), Perry Lee Brown (Doug), the late Margaret Hughey (Jack), Betty Hargus (Don), Rex Merrill (Martha), Doris Taylor (Lewis), and Guyma Parris (Troy).

Katherine enjoyed the sights and sounds of nature: she could recognize a bird by its song and could identify many native plants of the area. She grew a gorgeous flower garden and loved the sweet smell of her peonies in bloom. Katherine was an artist: quilting, cross-stitching, painting, and knitting. She was also an impeccable hostess, insisting that anyone visiting her home enjoyed at least a treat, if not an entire meal.

Katherine served her church, Little River Baptist, as a nursery attendant (caring for generations of children), as a faithful Deacon's wife, preschool teacher, Girls in Action leader, and in many other capacities.

The family wishes to give thanks to Care Partners Hospice, especially Keitha, who participated in her care during the past several months. Their care and compassion for her whole family was a true blessing.

Katherine joined her Savior and loved ones who have previously passed in heaven on January 3, 2019 after celebrating Christmas at home with her family. A celebration of her life will be held at Little River Baptist Church at 4:00 PM on Saturday, January 12th, with the family receiving friends there afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Little River Baptist Church Cemetery Fund and Little River Baptist Church Preschool, 51 Little River Church Road, Penrose, NC 28766.