Sara Bradley Reece

1930 - 2023

REECE, Sara Bradley, 92, of Ashland, died peacefully March 15, 2023. Also known as Nana, Gram and "Bubba," she will always be cherished by many. Born in Ellerson, Va., on November 28, 1930, the daughter of Frank Bradley Sr. and Josephine Bradley, she is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Frank Bradley Jr.; sisters, Vivian Mallory, Helen Sted, Lily O'Berry and Betty Crawford.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 73 years, Clyde Monroe Reece; sons, Chuck Reece and wife, Page, Don Reece and wife, Shelley, Mark Reece; daughter, Renee Innes and husband, Dave; and eight grandchildren, Brad and Clarke Reece, Kristen Reece, Stafford Reece, Ryland Reece, Sara Nelson Steele, Mait and Toler Innes. She is also survived by a number of great-grandchildren, a loving "river family" and countless friends, a testament to a long life well-lived.

Sara grew up in Mechanicsville and graduated from Washington-Henry School and Richmond Professional Institute where she studied Fashion Illustration. Sara married in 1949 and raised her four children in the Hanover Courthouse area. It is here she developed her lifelong passion for oil painting. Moving to Ashland in the '80's, she perfected her artistic work, producing 100s of paintings that remain cherished by family and friends throughout the state and beyond. Sara also enjoyed golf, home design and gardening. She spent many summers on the banks of the Piankatank River, relaxing with family, but thrived on the sidelines of any sporting event and remained an ardent supporter of UVA basketball; Go Hoos! She was involved in a number of clubs and an active member of her church, St. James the Less, Ashland. Sara will best be remembered as a loving and faithful wife, guiding light to her children and grandchildren and a cherished friend to the many people she met along the way.

A Celebration of Life will held at St. James the Less, 125 Beverly Rd., Ashland, on Friday, March 31 at 1 p.m. A reception will immediately follow at Hanover Golf Club, 14314 Country Club Dr., Ashland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James the Less, Ashland, Memorial Garden.