Joyce Paulette (Hawley) Bradshaw

Joyce “Paulette” (Hawley) Bradshaw, 78, of Dunn, North Carolina, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 13, 2025, while in Lillington Health and Rehab, Lillington NC, surrounded by the love of her family. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, creativity, and unwavering love.

Paulette was born on October 31, 1946 in Asheville, NC in Buncombe County.  She was raised in Wickliffe and Willoughby, OH, where she and her brother, Ron and cousins Randy and Ricky would spend their free time playing whenever possible.  This happy youth along with her vibrant spirit afforded her the opportunity for her artistic talent to blossom. A proud graduate of Willoughby South High School, Class of 1964, Paulette continued her education at Ashland College, earning her degree and embarking on a career initially as an art teacher, where she displayed her passion for creativity in everything she touched. Paulette’s greatest joy, however, came in her role as a devoted wife and mother.

In true fairytale love story fashion, she married the love of her life, Roy Milton Bradshaw, on December 29, 1976, after a happenstance meeting that turned into serendipitous romance, the likes of which are rarely seen. Their enduring love is truly one of a kind and special, and together they built a home filled with faith, love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.  They were always holding hands, and a favorite past time for them was sitting, watching the birds at the feeder and planting flowers in the garden.

She poured her heart into raising her five children—four daughters and one son—instilling in them the values of kindness, imagination, and resilience. She was a woman of deep faith who loved the Lord with all of her heart.  Paulette was committed to her Christian faith, read her Bible daily, and taught her children the love of Christ, the importance of faith, and the enduring power of good morals and strong character.

She was a fiercely dedicated mother who would sacrifice anything for her children’s happiness and well-being. Her love extended beyond her immediate family—Paulette adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as her niece and nephew, and spoke of them often with immense pride. Her joy in their accomplishments and presence was boundless.

Paulette was preceded in death by her beloved father, C. P. “Jiggs” Hawley, and her cherished mother, Lorena (Morgan) Hawley, whom she greatly loved and whom meant the world to her. Their memory remained close to her heart throughout her life.  

She is survived by her adoring husband, Roy Bradshaw, who loves her as much today as the day they first met 49+ years ago. Paulette is also survived by her loving children: Daughters, Shanon Phillips, Faith Evans (Lamont), Joyce Bowen, and Mary Rose Bradshaw; Son: Paul Bradshaw; in addition to, grandchildren, Sierra West, Jalin Sills, Zoë Phillips, Mia Sills, Ryley Bradshaw, Zane Phillips, Lainey Bradshaw, and Kinley Bradshaw; Great-grandchildren, Claire Curdts and Koen Curdts; her dear brother, Ronald Hawley (Suzanne) and her beloved niece and nephew, Emily Hawley and Chad Hawley, whom she always held close in her heart.

Paulette was kind to others and always had a smile on her face. She loved her family deeply and was so proud of them all. She was a joy in their lives and will be missed terribly. Her journey on this earth has ended, but it has left behind the everlasting memories of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and more, who will never be forgotten. She has gone to be with the Lord in Heaven, as He promised, and she has found her peace.

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2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV)

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin is honored to serve the family of Joyce P. Hawley Bradshaw.

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