On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Barbara Ellen Sarver Bradford, of Christiansburg, unexpectedly departed this earth for her heavenly home. She was born March 14, 1938 in Ironto in the Sarver home. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, William Theodore Bradford, and her parents, Houston Montgomery and Ethel Mae Guthrie Sarver.
She is survived by a son, Tony Ray Bradford; a daughter, Vickie Kay and husband Dennis Spangler; and a daughter, Libby Gay Bradford; three granddaughters, Alaina Anne and husband Scott Lawrence, Olivia Rae and husband Brian Harris, and Christina Maureen Bradford; three great grandsons, David and Benjamin Lawrence, and Bradford Harris, and a great granddaughter, baby Harris, who will make her arrival later this year. She is also survived by her brother Virgil and wife Colleen Sarver, and her brother Mike and wife Linda Sarver, and many nieces and nephews.
Barbara was a feisty and active woman until slowed by years of rheumatoid arthritis. Her favorite thing was reading, especially in the true crime genre. She started reading as a little girl and often reread books because they were the only ones she had. If you visited the Bradford home, you saw shelves and stacks of books and magazines, much to the dismay of Theodore. She hosted many picnics and family and holiday meals, and especially loved baking, and before the arthritis, cake decorating.
She also enjoyed traveling, even though she frequently drove her traveling companions (family members) just a bit batty. Her favorite place to visit was New York City for its musical performances, museums and food.
She rescued, raised, and loved dozens of guinea pigs and was always willing to take in more that needed a home. She loved dogs and cats, and especially her grand dog Sheba.
The family wishes to thank those who helped her after her husband’s passing: Virgil and Colleen Sarver; the members and pastors of Blacksburg Christian Church, Gary McCoy and John “JB” Beane, Whitney Edmister, and the “guys” who came into her and her daughter’s lives: Chris, Joe-Joe, and Julio: they were a blessing and showed Christian love when it was needed most. The family also wishes to thank the many friends, family, and church members for their care, love, and support.
Flowers are welcome. If you would like to make a donation in her name, please donate to the Montgomery County Friends of Animal Care and Control or The Agape Center NRV.
Funeral services will be conducted today, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor J.B. Beane and Pastor Gary McCoy officiating. Interment will follow in the Halls Church Cemetery. A visitation was held Friday, Aug. 2, 2024 at McCoy Funeral Home.
