Carol Neal Bradford

Carol Neal Bradford, 78, of Sanford, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024, at home surrounded by family. Carol was born April 15th, 1946, in Norfolk, VA. The middle child of George William Neal and Marion Suttle Neal. Carol’s early years were spent on the family farm in Ruffin, NC. As a farm kid, she learned about hard work, helping in tobacco harvests, working in the family garden, and many other chores that farm life requires. At the end of her sophomore year of high school, the family moved to Lexington, NC. 

Carol graduated from Lexington High School in 1964 and attended Appalachian State University in Boone. She enjoyed the debate team and was known by her friends and classmates as someone you could always count on.

While at Appalachian, Carol met the love of her life, William (Bill) Wills Bradford IV, of Baltimore, MD. The two were married on April 14, 1965. As the proud wife of a Navy pilot, Carol exhibited remarkable flexibility and strength, balancing her career and family demands with the challenges of military life. Together, they relocated multiple times due to Bill’s naval career before returning to Boone.

Carol was a pillar of support for her husband while he studied at Appalachian University and then at VPI in Blacksburg, VA. Her passion for education and helping others shone through her various roles over the years. After finally settling in Sanford, NC, Carol dedicated herself to a career in special education and was a fervent supporter of the Special Olympics. Her commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities earned her several commendations for her work with Lee County Arc.

Carol’s professional journey continued at the Center for Independent Living and later at the Student Services Center at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC), where she played a pivotal role in revamping student entrance programs. Her dedication to education culminated in her earning a BS from Fayetteville State University, graduating magna cum laude in 1992.

Carol had a deep passion for travel and exploring new cultures. Over the years, she lovingly welcomed many foreign exchange students into her home, creating a warm and nurturing environment. Carol always encouraged these students to pursue their passions and dreams while fostering a love for education and cultural exchange.

Upon retirement, Carol pursued her passion for antiques and collectibles through her hobby business, Grey Fox Antiques. She found great joy in this endeavor and the community it brought her.

Above all, Carol was a devoted mother to her daughter, Laura Bradford Phelps, and her son, Timothy William Wills Bradford V. Her unwavering love and support for her family were the hallmarks of her life, and her legacy of compassion and service will be remembered by all who knew her 

Carol is survived by her Husband, Bill Bradford; sister, Gloria Louise Nelson, of Denver, Colo., brother, John V. Neal and wife, Gail, of Oak Island, N.C.; two children, Laura Phelps and husband, Gary; Tim Bradford and wife Leah; eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Carol will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Carol’s life will be celebrated in a memorial service at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 11 AM. Following the service, family and friends will receive guests in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be in the church’s Columbarium at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider donating to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, or CCCC Foundation.