Deacon Elisha Bradshaw, Jr

Elisha “Brother” Bradshaw, Jr. was born on January 17, 1938, to Elisha Bradshaw, Sr. and Gracie Davis in Ocala, Florida.

He received his formal education in the Marion County Public Schools, graduating from Fessenden High School in Martin.

Elisha accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and was united with Bethlehem Baptist Church and later transferred his membership to St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Montague, where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon.

On April 26, 1958, Elisha Bradshaw, Jr. was united in holy matrimony with Viola A. Thompson in Ocala. This union was blessed with 2 children.

Elisha enlisted into the United States Army and then the Army Reserve serving his country for a total of 22 years. During his military career he rose to the rank of Sergeant (E5).

He worked several laborious jobs through the years but was lastly employed by Emergency One as a Forklift Operator prior to retiring. He loved serving in church, doing yard work, watching sports and playing bingo. Elisha held membership in the Masonic family where he served as a Deputy Grand Master in Meridian Grand Lodge; Worship Master of the Sons of David Lodge #21; Master Mason/Shriners and a Grand Patron over Sheba Chapter #47.

On Saturday, March 14, 2026, Elisha traded this world for his heavenly home. He was preceded in death by both his parents, Elisha Sr. and Gracie Bradshaw; sisters, Lola Bradshaw and Louise Levin; brothers, Albert Lee Bradshaw Sr., Roosevelt Bradshaw Sr., and Jimmie Bradshaw Sr.; nephews, Moses Bradshaw and Willie “Bill” Bradshaw.

Elisha leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 67 years, Viola A. Bradshaw, two daughters, Jennifer and Kenesha Bradshaw; grandson, Jamauri Bradshaw-Bennett; two sisters, Gracie Bradshaw and Delois Mitchell; special nieces, Marilyn Rackard (Levi) and Odetta Miller (Darren); two great grandchildren, Jaxson and Kynnedi, uncle in law, Abraham Johnson; god daughter, Erica Tuggerson (Jackie); dedicated friends/family, Helen Hill, Adell Dawson, Lawana and Willie McCombs and Lilly Alexander; and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving relatives.

Public Viewing will be on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm at Summers Funeral Home, 2238 NW 10th St, Ocala, Fl 34475.

Celebration of Life Service for Deacon Elisha Bradshaw, Jr will be on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1:00pm at Liberty Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 13235 NW Hwy 225. Reddick, FL 32686.

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