Anastasia Bradshaw

Anastasia “Ana” Sawyer Bradshaw, formerly of Pasadena, Texas, and a current resident of Alvin, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, at the age of 80 years young. Ana lived a life rooted in faith, family, and abundant love, leaving a lasting imprint on everyone blessed to know her.

Ana was born on October 7, 1945, in Fairhope, Alabama, to the late Doverd Dee and Thelma Mae Sawyer. She spent her early childhood on a 10-acre farm in Marlow, Alabama, growing up alongside her four older siblings. Her family later moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and eventually settled in Pasadena, Texas, to be closer to extended family.

From a young age, Ana’s spirited personality shone brightly. She loved tap dancing, singing, and playing sports, and proudly embraced her tomboy nature. Whether on the field or the playground, Ana was known for her determination and enthusiasm, she was always the first one picked and always played with her whole heart.

In 1964, during her senior year of high school, Ana met the love of her life, Richard Bradshaw, Jr. It was love at first sight for both! She often shared the story of their very first date with a smile and laughter about how she couldn’t resist a dare from her little sister Debbie to climb the sycamore tree in the front yard, only to see Richard driving down the street. She scrambled down just in time, meeting him as he pulled into the driveway. That moment marked the beginning of a beautiful love story that would span 61 years of marriage and bring three sons into their lives. Through every season—joyful and difficult alike—Ana remained steadfast in her faith and devotion to God, her husband Richard, and her boys. She often said that in that order, they were her strength and her joy.

Ana poured herself fully into her family, especially during her sons’ school years. She was deeply involved in PTO and band boosters and took great pride in receiving the “Golden Apple” award for her dedication and service. As her boys grew older, her desire to serve expanded beyond her family to the broader community, including her involvement in Pasadena’s National Day of Prayer.

A woman of deep faith, Ana loved worship and felt at home in churches of all denominations. She found a special church family at Second Baptist Church in Pasadena, where she joyfully served by leading Bible studies, teaching Vacation Bible School, singing in the choir, and ministering to others. Ana had a gift for listening and a heart for caring, always ready to share God’s Word with anyone in need. For many years, she sang and ministered at nursing homes throughout the area, blessing countless lives. A natural caregiver, her love extended not only to family and friends, but to strangers as well.

Ana’s joy multiplied when she was promoted to “Granna.” Her grandchildren—Cody, Addie, and James Michael—were truly the light of her life. She treasured every moment with them, whether planting flowers, playing tennis, riding bikes to the park to feed the ducks, or simply “going piddlin’.” Time together was her greatest gift.

In 2024, Ana’s heart grew even fuller when she became a great-grandmother, lovingly known as “G-Gran,” to her precious great-grandson, Warren. She delighted in playing with him, singing to him, and spoiling him just as she had her grandchildren before. She often said that Warren was her heart.

Ana had been joyfully anticipating her role as flower granny in her granddaughter’s wedding on May 15. While her absence leaves a profound ache, her spirit, love, and influence will forever surround those she held dear.

Anastasia is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Richard Weldon Bradshaw Jr.; her devoted sons and treasures, Ricky Bradshaw and Jamie Bradshaw and his wife Heather; her cherished grandchildren, Cody (Kenzie) Bradshaw, Addison Bradshaw (fiancé Hayden Price), and James Michael Bradshaw; and her adored great-grandson, Warren Price.

She is also survived by her sister, Deborah Sawyer Dion; her husband, Mark; and their son, Nicholas (Claudia), along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Ana was preceded in death by her most precious son, Michael Wayne Bradshaw; her sisters, Edna and Dot; her brothers, Lee and Jim; her nephew, Kim; and many others she loved deeply and who loved her in return.

Anastasia Bradshaw was truly a holy woman—a woman of faith, compassion, strength, and joy. Her legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Services will be held at Grand View Funeral Home and Memorial Park 8501 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, Texas 77505

• Visitation: Wednesday, May 6, 5:00–8:00 p.m.

• Celebration of Life: Thursday, May 7, 10:00 a.m.

• Graveside Service: Thursday, May 7, 11:00 a.m.