Virginia Bailey Bradley, age 97, left this world on October 16, 2024. Born in 1927 as Virginia Evelyn Bailey, she grew up on a farm in Holly Pond, Alabama with her three sisters, Loreen, Erma Dean, and Lou, all of whom, preceded her in death. Her husband, Roy Bradley, passed away ten years ago.
She is survived by her two sons, Biff and Scott, their wives, Lynnette and Janet, and four grandchildren, Caleb, Alex, Robin, and Austin.
She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Huntsville.
Virginia lived a life of many achievements. She was talented, intelligent, and driven to succeed in many endeavors. The only member of her immediate family to attend college, she continued her education throughout her life, ultimately achieving a Doctorate in Education. She had a long and varied career, starting as a live TV personality on WAFM (Channel 13) in Birmingham during the early years of television, where she gave the weather and performed live commercials.
She was a talented producer and director of live performances throughout her career. After her marriage, she transitioned from her television career to education and moved from Birmingham to Huntsville in 1959. She was longtime head of the drama department at Huntsville High School, where she was responsible for many large scale productions. She finished her career as head of the Guidance department at Butler High.
She met her future husband Roy Bradley in Tuscaloosa in the late forties, where both were pursuing their educations. They were married in 1950, and their marriage lasted for 64 years until his passing in 2014. Virginia and Roy had a very close relationship, and she struggled mightily after his death, only regaining some semblance of her normal life after several years of mourning. They were loving and caring parents who imparted many life lessons for their sons, by actions more than words. She had high expectations and ensured her sons followed her path of higher education and professional careers.
As anyone who knew her can attest, she was a presence. She was loving, ambitious, driven, and had high expectations of others. Throughout her long life, she left her mark on college students, friends, family and anyone with whom she became acquainted. She was an inspiration to countless people, and her existence left the world a better place. She lived her life in full. Her religious faith was a strong and guiding principle and a comfort to her during difficult times. She cared for oth¬ers more than herself. She knew the importance of expressing her love of her family and friends, praying for them every night. She continued to do so until the very end.
She will be missed.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
