Evelyn Bradley

On October 18, 2025, from the loving embrace of her daughter, Mrs. Evelyn Giddens Bradley quietly journeyed homeward into the outstretched arms of her heavenly family.
Born April 15, 1938 to Dan and Nadine Maddox Giddens, Evelyn spent her childhood in and around the Andalusia area. Her early life interests included the piano which she taught herself to play, first by ear and ultimately by note shape, and patterns. Later in life, she developed a passion for crochet and became a skilled seamstress often sewing dresses and outfits for her young daughters.
In January 1955, just shy of her 17th birthday, she married Matthew Frank Bradley (Charles Franklin & Myrtle Mathews Bradley). As Evelyn finished high school, Frank embarked on a career in the Air Force which afforded them the opportunity to travel internationally and domestically over the next 25 or so years. Upon retirement from service and with 6 kids in tow, they returned to Andalusia where Evelyn began working outside the home. Most notably, she worked for Veteran's Gas Company, The Hallmark Store, Leon's Department Store, Leon's Service Center, and ultimately ended her tenure in the workforce as a member of the wonderful staff at Walker Electric.
Evelyn was a true servant at heart. She was a decades long member of Red Oak Baptist Church, serving with loyalty in various positions wherever a need existed. She also served her family and was the center of our most precious memories. We are fortunate beyond words for the privilege of having experienced her love, family-oriented values, and guidance throughout the years. She truly was the heart of our family, the matriarch who put her children first, the one who constantly reminded us of how much she loved us.
Evelyn was affectionally known to her grandchildren and great grandchildren as "JamJam", named by her first grandchild Derek, which proved to be a very appropriate moniker due to her masterful ability to create delicious homemade blackberry & blueberry jellies and jams. Her grandchildren have many fond memories in the kitchen with their JamJam, especially when she was making biscuits (for which she won 1st place in a baking contest at 14) or whipping up her homemade chicken & dumplings. Those special occasions became an avenue of teaching and generational bonding. Her grandchildren will always remember their JamJam leading the prayer at family gatherings and telling the Lord how blessed she was to have such a good family; but in reality, it was her family who was truly blessed to have her in their lives.
Our heartfelt appreciation is given to the special ladies who helped care for mama during her last years. Daughter by affection Kanda Gilmore whose dedication to both my parents during their final years was remarkable and immeasurable by all standards. Thank you so much Kanda, for your faithful service, even while navigating your own family losses. You were always present, concerned and giving of yourself in order to uplift them both during the most traumatic and difficult times of their lives. Words can't adequately express the appreciation felt for your kindness and dependability while engaged in their caretaking. You are very loved God bless you. Verty Sasser Taylor whose wit and humor made mama smile when she felt so very bad, and Ms. Jean Norris; who graciously shared her remarkable Christlike compassion and became such an integral part of our "caregiving sisterhood." Additional gratitude is extended to the ladies and ministerial staff of Aveanna Hospice of Andalusia, all of whom supported mama through her most difficult season of life.
Mrs. Bradley was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Matthew Frank Bradley (October 2018). She is survived by her 6 children, Angela Sanders (Ray), Matt Bradley (Madonna), Vickie Booher (Doug), Paula Caraway (Eddie), Jeff Bradley (Donna), Nicole Jennings (Nathan); 15 grandchildren Derek Caraway, Paige Caraway, Brande Miller (Drew), Danielle Lewis (Andrew), Brad Sanders (Kailyn), Clark Sanders (Gabby), Pierce Sanders, Zach Bradley (Allison), Clayton Bradley, Meredith McGlaun (Marshall), Kelsey Nixon (Colton), Mara Johnson (Jonathon), Blythe Freeman (Zack), Cole Jennings, Gray Jennings, 14 great-grandchildren, 3 sister-in-laws, Barbara Bradley (Don) of Andalusia, Patsy Barrington (Don) of Austin TX, Libby Bradley (Hugh) of Wauchula FL, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM Friday, October 24, 2025 at Red Oak Baptist Church with Brother Eugene Meadows officiating. Interment will follow at The Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 1-2 PM Friday, October 24, 2025 at Red Oak Baptist Church.
Family and friends may sign the online register at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.