Obituary for Florence Smith Bradley
Florence Smith Bradley
June 6, 1939 – February 14, 2025
Florence Smith Bradley, 85, of Emporia , Virginia, went to be with the Lord on February 14, 2025, passing peacefully at VCU Palliative Care.
Born on June 6, 1939, in LaCrosse, Florence was the beloved daughter of Robert and Zelma Smith. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend who poured her heart into caring for her family and community.
Florence was married to the love of her life, John Bradley, Jr., for more than 67 years, building a home filled with warmth, faith, and love. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Patricia Bradley Elks (who is married to E. Lee Elks Jr.), Geraldine Parker, and Janet Waggoner. She was a cherished grandmother to Sarah Randles, Lauren Cullom, Daniel Waggoner, Lee Elks III, Rebecca Jancic, Walt Waggoner, Madison Parker, and Jordan Parker. Her legacy continues through her
great-grandchildren: Wesley, Carson, and Linley Cullom; Caleb, Ellie, and Samuel Jancic; and Dylan Lee Elks.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings David Smith, Carolyn Parham, William Smith, Randall Smith, and Shirley Lloyd. She is survived by her sister, Betty Jean Wesson.
A faithful member of Word of Life Assembly of God, Florence spent decades teaching Sunday School, nurturing the faith of young hearts.
She had a servant’s heart and a gift for hospitality, always ensuring that those around her felt cared for and loved. Cooking was one of her greatest joys—whether it was daily meals or large family gatherings, she made every occasion special. Her selfless nature shone through in everything she did, from preparing meals to playing games with her grandchildren, to caring for her siblings and ailing mother from an early age and later tending to her aging father.
Florence’s love was unconditional, and she instilled in her family the values of faith, generosity, and togetherness. She taught life’s simplest yet most important lessons—how to cook, how to tie a shoe, how to love selflessly. Her presence was a steady, comforting force, and she had a way of making even the busiest moments look effortless.
She was deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, always ready with a book to read, a meal to share, or a listening ear.
Florence leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering love. Her recipes, lessons, and legacy will continue to be shared for generations.
A celebration of Florence’s life will take place at Echols Funeral Home in Emporia, Virginia. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by the funeral service and graveside service at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 18. Pastor Larry Walczykowski and Pastor Valentino Pase will officiate.
Her love was a gift to all who knew her, and though she is now at peace with the Lord, her presence will be deeply missed.
Online condolences may be made at www.echolsfuneralhome.com
To plant a tree in memory of Florence Smith Bradley, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Tuesday
18
Feb
1:00 PM
- 2:00 PM
Echols Funeral Home
806 Brunswick Ave.
Emporia, VA 23847
Service
Tuesday
18
Feb
2:00 PM
Echols Funeral Home
806 Brunswick Ave.
Emporia, VA 23847
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