1920
Dorothy
2014
Dorothy Mae (Houston) Bradshaw
November 8, 1920 — August 30, 2014
Dorothy Mae Houston Bradshaw
On August 30, 2014, Jesus opened His arms and welcomed Dorothy home. She was born on November 8, 1920 in Pink Hill, NC, the daughter of Alfred and Nannie Houston.
Early in life, she was instilled with a strong sense of responsibility, growing up on the family farm. Being the oldest girl among 11 brothers and sisters, she assumed numerous duties on the farm in addition to helping to raise her younger siblings after the death of her mother in 1935.
At the onset of World War II, Dorothy joined the National Youth Administration, a New Deal agency implemented by the Roosevelt administration, and rode the bus to Baltimore, MD to train for work in the war effort. She became employed by McDonnell Douglas aircraft company as a riveter, as portrayed by the stereotypical “Rosie the Riveter”. During 1943, still single, she moved to Detroit to work in the River Rouge plant of the Ford Motor Company, which had been converted to military aircraft manufacturing. There she met and married a fellow worker, Floyd Gambrel, a native of Kentucky. Their six children, all girls, were born between 1945 and 1958. With a strong work ethic, she held a job for part of those years, and expended her energies caring for her family. Floyd continued to work at the Ford plant until his death in 1961, following which Dorothy moved with her daughters back to Duplin County, NC, where she had grown up.
Dorothy eventually moved to Beaufort, NC where she was a member of North River United Methodist Church. She met H.T.(Brad) Bradshaw and they were married in 1979. They lived there happily together until Brad’s death in 2005.
Dorothy was loved and treasured by her family, always remembered for her character and firm spiritual beliefs. Her daughters have always been proud of the inner strength and independence that she exhibited throughout her life.
She is survived by her daughters Judy Branch of Wilmington, Constance Allegood(Carlton) of Wilmington, Sudie Mintz,(George) of Leland, Betty Gambrel of Beaufort, Peggy McKay(Charles) of Beaufort, and Reba Salmon (Barry) of Elizabeth City;17 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. Also surviving are her sisters Doris Sumner of Beulaville, NC, Reba Griffin of New Bern, NC, Ruby Cozzens of Lebanon, TN, and brother, Norwood Houston (Lee) of Washington, NC.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11:30 am Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. David Bruce officiating. The family will receive friends 10:30 - 11:30 am prior to the service. A private interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Youth Fund, 119 Bunch Rd, Beaufort, NC 28516, Feed the Children, feedthechildren.org, First Baptist Church Card Ministry, 411 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401 or Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Center, 1406 Physicians Dr, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mundenfuneralhome.net
Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc, Morehead City, NC.
On August 30, 2014, Jesus opened His arms and welcomed Dorothy home. She was born on November 8, 1920 in Pink Hill, NC, the daughter of Alfred and Nannie Houston.
Early in life, she was instilled with a strong sense of responsibility, growing up on the family farm. Being the oldest girl among 11 brothers and sisters, she assumed numerous duties on the farm in addition to helping to raise her younger siblings after the death of her mother in 1935.
At the onset of World War II, Dorothy joined the National Youth Administration, a New Deal agency implemented by the Roosevelt administration, and rode the bus to Baltimore, MD to train for work in the war effort. She became employed by McDonnell Douglas aircraft company as a riveter, as portrayed by the stereotypical “Rosie the Riveter”. During 1943, still single, she moved to Detroit to work in the River Rouge plant of the Ford Motor Company, which had been converted to military aircraft manufacturing. There she met and married a fellow worker, Floyd Gambrel, a native of Kentucky. Their six children, all girls, were born between 1945 and 1958. With a strong work ethic, she held a job for part of those years, and expended her energies caring for her family. Floyd continued to work at the Ford plant until his death in 1961, following which Dorothy moved with her daughters back to Duplin County, NC, where she had grown up.
Dorothy eventually moved to Beaufort, NC where she was a member of North River United Methodist Church. She met H.T.(Brad) Bradshaw and they were married in 1979. They lived there happily together until Brad’s death in 2005.
Dorothy was loved and treasured by her family, always remembered for her character and firm spiritual beliefs. Her daughters have always been proud of the inner strength and independence that she exhibited throughout her life.
She is survived by her daughters Judy Branch of Wilmington, Constance Allegood(Carlton) of Wilmington, Sudie Mintz,(George) of Leland, Betty Gambrel of Beaufort, Peggy McKay(Charles) of Beaufort, and Reba Salmon (Barry) of Elizabeth City;17 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. Also surviving are her sisters Doris Sumner of Beulaville, NC, Reba Griffin of New Bern, NC, Ruby Cozzens of Lebanon, TN, and brother, Norwood Houston (Lee) of Washington, NC.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11:30 am Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. David Bruce officiating. The family will receive friends 10:30 - 11:30 am prior to the service. A private interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Youth Fund, 119 Bunch Rd, Beaufort, NC 28516, Feed the Children, feedthechildren.org, First Baptist Church Card Ministry, 411 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401 or Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Center, 1406 Physicians Dr, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mundenfuneralhome.net
Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc, Morehead City, NC.
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