“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” MAHATMA GANDHI
Martha Ann Whitesides Bradley, 81, a long-time resident of Lincoln County, NC and of Morganton, NC gained her wings peacefully on May 25, 2024 with her two children by her side.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Grier G and Lucy M Whitesides, and her siblings, Virginia Dockter, Dorothy Rhodes, Gene Whitesides, Grace Pearson, and Emily Smith.
Survivors include her two children, Scott Bradley of Frederick, MD, and Tricia Pearson of Columbus, NC; her brother, Elliott Whitesides of Lake Placid, FL; five grandchildren: Cody Bradley, Megan Crotts (Tyler), Paige Bradley, Shae Bradley, and Mandi Pearson; along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Martha was a kind-hearted and giving lady who graduated from the NC School for the Deaf (NCSD) in 1961. She worked at Sara Lee Products (Hanes) and then at NCSD, where her excellent sewing skills were much appreciated by the students and staff. Her time was also spent volunteering with the NCSD Booster Club, the NCSD Alumni Association, the NC Association of the Deaf, Deaf Seniors of NC and the Burke County Club of the Deaf. After retiring from NCSD, she continued to work several more years as a substitute & transportation bus driver.
Martha was always happy to help wherever she was needed, and her love for the University of North Carolina Tarheels was also boundless. Go Tarheels!
Martha was truly beloved by many, she was often found smiling, and was also thought to be a motherly figure by countless NCSD students.
Friends and family are invited to Martha’s memorial service at 3 pm on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Heritage Funeral Services, with visitation from 2-3pm prior to the service. The address for the memorial service is: 1507 Main St E, Valdese, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NC School for the Deaf Foundation:
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory is assisting the family.