Mary Magdalene (Wilkes) Bradshaw

Mrs. Mary Magdalene Wilkes Bradshaw, 84, passed away June 30, 2025, at her home in Effingham.

Mrs. Bradshaw was born on December 14, 1940, in Florence County, daughter of Sam S. Wilkes and Annie Matthews Wilkes. Mrs. Bradshaw was a charter member of Unity Christian Fellowship, where she faithfully attended and found great joy in worship and fellowship. She graduated from Florence-Darlington Technical College with a degree in nursing and dedicated her career to caring for others, working as an MRS1 with the South Carolina Crippled Children’s Home, SC Mental Retardation, and Folk Nursing Home. She had a deep love for her children,  grandchildren and was known as a loving, caring woman with a gentle spirit and an easygoing nature. Mrs. Bradshaw had a special gift and tender heart for children with special needs. She also had a fondness for animals, especially her beloved turtle, “Baby.”

A woman of strength and resilience, she was admired for her toughness, her unwavering faith, and her delicious homemade biscuits. She enjoyed singing on the radio with her brother Adam, and cherished time spent with her family. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Comfort Keepers of Florence, Crescent Hospice of Florence, and especially to Nikki Perry, for their compassionate care and support during her final days.

Surviving are her daughter, Deborah (Mike) Harrington of Effingham; grandchildren, Rocky (Marybeth) Coleman and Charles Coleman, both of Effingham, Michelle Carraway and Brandy Carraway (Blake), both of Olanta; great grandchildren, Emily Grace Marsh, Austin Coleman, Jimmy (Kayla) Coleman, Kaleb Powell, Addy Powell, Jada (Kyrs) Coleman, Mykenna Coleman, Gabby Coleman; great-great granddaughter, Raelyn Parker; son-in-law, Andy Ratley of Coward; a devoted caretaker who was like family, Cherise Pickens; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Jennifer Minnick of Effingham.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Pamela Smith Carraway; her first husband, Jimmy Leo Smith; second husband, Sam Bradshaw; siblings, Leland Wilkes, Rosie Wilkes, Ernest Wilkes, Freeland Wilkes, James Wilkes, Adam Wilkes, Kathleen Wilkes McKenzie, Virginia Cook, Mildred Bray, Myres R. Wilkes, Sam William Wilkes.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Carolina Funeral Home. 

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Carolina Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Mossy Grove Cemetery, Coward.

Memorials may be made to Unity Christian Fellowship Church, Building Fund, 3652 Olanta Hwy, Timmonsville, SC 29161.

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