Jane E. Bradshaw-Magee

Jane Elizabeth Bradshaw-Magee, age 84, of Oakwood passed away on August 18, 2024. She was born in Richmond, Virginia on June 10, 1940 to the late James and Mary Collins Blankenship. In addition to her parents, Jane is preceded in death by her second husband, Frances Edward Magee. 

 She is survived by her children, Drexel (Alison) Bradshaw, R. Darden (Gail) Bradshaw, Lance (Susan) Magee, Glenn (Crystal) Magee, Scott (Kristi) Magee, Frank (Helen) Magee, Patti (Greg) Palmer; grandchildren, Cody (Taylor) Bradshaw, C. Grey Bradshaw, Markayla Bradshaw, Shannon Magee, Gabe Magee, Dalton Magee, Darbie Magee, Madeline Bradshaw, Abigail Bradshaw, Kolby (Lizabeth) Magee, Brady (Shanaya) Magee, Ashley (Dustin) Haderlie, Adam (Whitney) Walker, Adam (Sass) Wilson, Cody (Jen) Wilson, Afton (Tyler) Browning, Zoe (Jack) Lambert; great-grandchildren, Josiah Bradshaw, Lyla Bradshaw, Harper Magee, Grayson Magee, Wade Magee, Reesey Magee, Dalli Magee, Brytin Haderlie, Ashtin Haderlie, Westin Haderlie, Taeven Walker, Draiden Walker, Noah Wilson, Elis Wilson, Bodhi Browning, Brio Browning, and Hudson Browning; siblings, Mary Eleanor (Ollie) Hux, Warren Chandler Blankenship; along with many other family, friends, and loved ones.

Jane’s childhood began with a flourishing imagination, playing house using oyster shells for dishes in the many backyards she grew up in with her Methodist minister father moving to new congregations. Her mother was a school teacher who also taught her children to adapt quickly to new friends, schools, and towns. Jane’s early imagination blossomed into curiosity and creativity which nurtured her life as an artist. As a girl, she dreamed of being a farmer’s wife. The Cold War and Ho Chi Mihn sharply altered those plans and gave rise to Jane’s career as a US Navy wife where her primary role was to help manage the daily terror under which she endured along with the other wives of the Naval Aviators fighting to suppress the spread of communism half a world away. A Navy family moved frequently and Jane marveled at the character and ways of life she absorbed and adored, mostly in Europe. She also enjoyed careers in banking, real estate, and dentistry. 

She played a mean game of bridge; her creativity and artistic talents were numerous and she left behind a legacy of written prose, sculptures, paintings, and handwork. Jane had a knack for finding unique solutions to design problems, and found no greater compliment than for someone to ask for her to share her design eye in their new home, apartment or space.

Jane’s superpower was her grit. There was no obstacle which was long in front of her and soon behind her, no heart or mind she could not open, and no challenge she could not master. She was an active feminist on the stage of her own life. And her faith was her guiding light and foundation. Deeply proud of her family, she cultivated and was nourished by a large adopted family - each of whom became more special to her with every passing year. Jane will be missed but her presence will continue to be felt by everyone who was touched by her love and life.

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