Obituary: Donna Ferguson Bradshaw

Donna Ferguson Bradshaw, 61, exchanged the embraces of her family for the embrace of her Savior on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while being lovingly cared for in her home. Donna was born in Pitt County on April 26, 1965, to Carolyn Tilghman Ferguson and the late Glenn Murray Ferguson.

Donna grew up in a Christian home and attended Goldsboro Christian Academy alongside her future husband. Having known each other since kindergarten, the two developed a close friendship, never quite recognizing the depth of their love until their paths took them in separate directions during college. On October 5, 1985, at the young age of twenty, Donna married her lifelong friend and sweetheart, beginning a beautiful journey together that would span forty-one years.

Donna worked as an office manager for State Farm Agency Management for fifteen years before stepping away from her career to devote herself to raising the two sons who completed their family.

A faithful member of Walnut Creek Original Free Will Baptist Church, Donna and her family gladly made the drive week after week to worship and participate in the ministries of the church. Donna sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, worked with the youth, prepared and served meals, directed Vacation Bible School, coordinated Operation Christmas Child shoebox collections, and meticulously planned countless church events. Of her many gifts and talents, perhaps her greatest passion was decorating. Whatever the occasion, Donna made certain the church was beautifully decorated, often to the hilt. Her attention to detail and desire to make every occasion special were expressions of the love she had for her church family.

In 2020, Donna was diagnosed with cancer and given a prognosis of fifteen to eighteen months. Yet God had greater plans, blessing her with six more years to love, nurture, encourage, and lift up those around her. During those years, Donna continued to testify to the goodness of her Savior, devoting her life and talents to serving God through serving others.

Donna refused to allow her life to be defined by her disease. Instead, she was determined that her life would be defined and directed by her unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Even when her physical strength no longer allowed her to serve as she once had, Donna continued to seek God's direction for the activities and ministries of her church. Her family lovingly became the hands that helped bring those visions to life. Through prayer and Bible study, Donna's focus became even more fixed upon Jesus, and the things of this earth grew strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

While many passages of Scripture held special meaning for Donna, her favorite was Matthew 5:14–16:

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Through every trial and triumph, every hill and valley, Donna's light shone brightly, reflecting the love of Jesus to all she encountered. Her life was a beautiful testimony to the very Scripture she held so dear.

A graveside service to honor Donna's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Fairview Cemetery in La Grange, with Rev. Don Fleming officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Donna is survived by her husband of forty-one years, Timothy A. Bradshaw; sons, Zachary R. Bradshaw and Holden Bradshaw; and her mother, Carolyn T. Ferguson.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Donna’s memory to Walnut Creek OFWB Church, 138 N. Beston Road, La Grange, NC 28551. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.