Franklin – Edith Ray Poland Bradshaw, 95, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025 in Asa's Neighborhood at The Village at Woods Edge where she had resided for over 5 years and having been a resident of "The Village" for over 10 years.

She was born in Meredithville, Brunswick County, Virginia on October 19, 1929 as the fifth child of William Benjamin Poland, Sr. and Sally Tucker Poland.  Her father being an agent with Seaboard Air Line Railroad, the family moved to Rich Square, NC at age six and the next year they moved to Boykins, Virginia where she grew up.  She attended Boykins High School and Madison College.

Ray is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Burton C. Bradshaw, Sr. and a son, Stephen Benjamin Bradshaw.  In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by five siblings:  two sisters, Margaret P. Thompson of Hampton, VA and Sarah P. Michlik of Binghampton, NY, and three brothers, William B. Poland, Jr. of Hampton, Harry Tucker Poland of Franklin, and Robert B. Poland of Boykins.

She is survived by a son, Burton C. "Brad" Bradshaw, Jr. and his wife Debby of Franklin; two grandchildren, Burton C. "Tres" Bradshaw, III and his wife Anne of Fredericksburg and Lisa Bradshaw Biler and her partner Will Felix of Williamsburg; a great grandson, Burton C. "Burt" Bradshaw, IV of Fredericksburg; and many nieces and nephews.

Ray was a member of Franklin Baptist Church.  In years past when she was vibrant, she was active in the Women's Missionary Union and Lottie Moon Circle.

She was active for many years in the local YMCA having participated in the "Twinges and Hinges" swim-exercise class which she enjoyed tremendously.  She was a participant in the "Senior Olympics" and won several medals in competitions.

Ray was very interest in history and worked on several genealogical projects.  She was a member of the Jamestown Society, Daughters of the American Revolution – Constantia Chapter, and The National Society of US Daughters of 1812.

She and her husband enjoyed traveling extensively after retiring and were able to visit much of our nation and points of interest across the globe.

A memorial service will be held at 2PM Sunday, March 30, 2025 in Wright Funeral Home with Rev. James Hyatt of Franklin Congregational Christian Church officiating.  The family will receive friends in the funeral home one hour prior to the service and wish to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of The Village at Woods Edge and most especially to the staff in Asa's Neighborhood, for their kindness, compassion, and tender care given to Ray during her years living there.  They lovingly supported her as she met the challenges of dementia and allowed her to do so with dignity and grace.  We cannot possibly calculate the difference you have made in our lives.  Thank you.

The family also wants to recognize her private caregivers who were always there when needed:  Daphine Worrell, Ella Sykes, Sylvia Rustin, Devonda Smith and Youlanda Dent.  Words cannot express the gratitude and their respect of you for the level of care you provided to Ray in her most difficult time.  You will forever hold a special place in their hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, 320 Nevada St., Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or a very effective local charity working to meet local needs, Franklin Cooperative Ministry, P. O. Box 1214, Franklin, VA 23851

www.wrightfuneralhome.org