Kate Bradshaw Cloninger

Following early years in Emporia, VA, Kate moved to Durham, N.C. at age 10 where she maintained deep connections and friendships for the remainder of her life.

After graduating from Durham High School, Kate received her undergraduate education from Randolph Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, VA and earned a Master of Arts degree from University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Her professional life primarily focused on journalism and public relations, which included early work as a reporter for the Greensboro News and Record, and serving as Editorial Director and Press Secretary for the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C.

During her long-standing home furnishings career, Kate was an international director of the International Furnishings and Design Association, as well as president of its Carolinas Chapter. She also served as an advisory board member for the School of Design at East Carolina University.

Within her community, Kate was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, a sustaining member of the Junior League of Greensboro and an active participant in several book clubs. She volunteered for countless organizations over the years, from Girl Scout leadership to local political efforts.

As a lifelong learner, Kate was best known for her love of books, crosswords, travel, and the arts – encouraging curiosity, new adventures and the importance of cultivating new skills to her children and grandchildren -- at any age, best demonstrated by her enthusiastic pursuit of a master’s degree in retirement. Her accomplished creative talents extended to hand painted Christmas ornaments, intricate knitted sweaters and decorative crafts.

Above all else, Kate will be remembered as a strong, loyal and steady presence to her family and friends who, in spite of experiencing a debilitating spinal cord injury over the last year, was determined to regain her strength and gave it her all until the end, all while staying intellectually engaged and deeply involved in her family’s lives.

Predeceased by her brother, Herbert Cunningham Bradshaw, Kate is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles William Cloninger, Jr., sister Elizabeth Patterson of Durham N.C., children Caroline Cloninger Carrington of Durham, N.C., Katherine Cloninger of Raleigh, N.C., grandchildren Chase and Camilla Carrington, and granddogs Nigel and Bucky. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marjorie Bradshaw and six nieces and nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews. Among many loved pets throughout her lifetime, her two Saint Bernards, Switzie and Brandy held a special, enduring place in her heart.

The family will receive friends at home on Friday, March 13th from 4-7pm. A memorial service will take place at 2pm on Saturday, March 14th at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greensboro, reception will follow at Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.