Jenny Hughes Bradley

1943 - 2023

Jenny Hughes Bradley

April 28, 1943 - November 15, 2023

Jenny Renita Hughes Bradley passed away on November 15, 2023, at her home in Roanoke with her devoted husband, Don, by her side. Jenny was born on April 28, 1943, in Coeburn, Virginia. She was predeceased by her parents, Elmer C. Hughes and Vonda Large Hughes. She is survived by her brother, Charles Lee Hughes, of Bangkok, Thailand; her husband, Don L. Bradley; her daughter, Laura Ellen Bradley and husband Brian Ivey, of Chapel Hill, NC; her son David Hughes Bradley and fiancée Meredith Sund, of Silver Spring, MD; and her beloved grandchildren, Griffin Burke Bradley and Georgia Burke Bradley, and their mother, Katharine Burke Bradley, of Silver Spring, MD. She also leaves behind two beloved cats, Mr. Benson and Jazzy.

Jenny was a force of nature who excelled at everything that she put her mind to. She approached every challenge with a steely determination that helped her to overcome any obstacle. But she tempered that relentless drive with a charitable spirit and genuine concern for others.

Jenny's first love was her family, and she devoted herself to her children, staying at home with them until they were school age. As her children grew and became more independent, Jenny began her pursuit of higher education. She was an ardent believer in the transformative power of education and her love of learning never waned.

In 1980, she enrolled at Virginia Western Community College, determined to earn a college degree despite the demands of raising a family and working full-time. Shortly thereafter, Jenny and Laura Ellen found themselves taking biology at the same time (Laura Ellen as a seventh-grader and Jenny as a college sophomore), and they enjoyed trading notes and studying together. After earning an associate's degree from Virginia Western Community College, Jenny entered Roanoke College as a junior. She was an outstanding student, always putting in the time and effort to do exemplary work. Many nights she put the kids to bed and, fortified by caffeine, turned to her school work. As one of the few older students at Roanoke College, she was accused more than once of "ruining the grading curve" by her younger classmates who were far less studious. In 1984, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology with honors. She subsequently completed a Master of Arts in liberal studies at Hollins University in 1993.

Soon after graduating from Roanoke College, Jenny began working at the college, where she built and sustained a robust grants administration program. Jenny's impact on the campus was significant, with numerous capital and research projects coming to fruition thanks to her tenacity and creativity.

Jenny continued her career at Carilion Clinic before becoming an independent consultant. Her clients included Roanoke College, Ferrum College, Craig County Health Center, Roanoke Higher Education Center, Nonprofit Resource Center, Foundation for Roanoke Valley and numerous other nonprofit organizations. Jenny was highly sought after for her professional expertise, and she continued her consulting work up until the time of her death. Throughout her career, Jenny made it a priority to train and mentor numerous grants professionals and nonprofit leaders who benefited from her skills and wisdom.

When her grandchildren were born-Griffin in 2006 and Georgia in 2009-Jenny enthusiastically embraced the joys of being a grandmother. Known as "Jen Jen" to Griffin and Georgia, she expressed her unconditional love for them through cooking and sewing lessons, one-on-one tea dates, long drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway and walks on the beach.

Jenny's adventurous spirit led her to travel far and wide with Don and their special friends Charlotte and Leland Carawan. Favorite journeys included a river cruise on the Danube, a rail journey across the western U.S. and trips to Germany, France, Switzerland, Morocco, Vietnam and Alaska. Her favorite destination was Lake Como, Italy. She felt blessed to visit her brother multiple times in Bangkok, where she made many happy memories visiting Buddhist temples, cruising in his boat on the Chao Phraya river and shopping in the open-air markets. Closer to home, some of Jenny's happiest times were spent on family beach vacations, especially to Emerald Isle, NC. She often expressed profound gratitude for the restorative powers of the ocean.

After retiring from full-time employment, Jenny found fulfillment and purpose through her work with the Roanoke Women's Foundation, which provides philanthropic support to local nonprofits through a competitive grants process. Besides believing steadfastly in the mission of the foundation, she found much enjoyment in a community of accomplished women who became devoted friends.

At every stage of life, Jenny established deep and lasting friendships that sustained her, especially in the last decade when she faced multiple health challenges. As any of her friends could attest, she could always be counted on to provide a sympathetic ear and sage advice.

Rather than a traditional memorial service, it was Jenny's request to have a party where her family and friends can come together to celebrate her life. Details will be shared as soon as they are available.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a gift to the Jenny Hughes Bradley '84 Endowed Student Scholarship at Roanoke College, which was established by her daughter and son-in-law in her honor in 2021. The scholarship is awarded each year to a non-traditional student who is returning to school just as Jenny did. Gifts may be made online at roanoke.edu/givetoday or by mail to Roanoke College Advancement Office, 221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153.

Jenny's family would like to express their deep gratitude for the many friends who have provided emotional and practical support during their time of grief. Her loss is felt deeply by all of us.