Carmen Raymonde Bradley

Carmen Raymonde Bradley passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on November 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She faced her illness with remarkable strength and unwavering determination, inspiring everyone around her with her positivity—even on the hardest days. Her courage was a true testament to the powerful, loving person she was.

Born in Metz, France, on January 1, 1955, Carmen proudly held the distinction of being the first baby born that New Year, noted in the local newspaper. She spent her early years in France before later gaining her U.S. citizenship.

Carmen graduated from Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, VA in 1973. In 1986, she completed Nursing Aide School in New York, beginning a long career of caring for others in both home and facility settings. Driven by a deep passion for service, she furthered her training by earning her Dental Assistant certification at Fort Sam Houston, TX, in 1996.

Throughout her life as a military spouse, Carmen dedicated countless hours to supporting her community. She worked as an after-school teacher at Saint Monica’s Catholic School in Converse, TX, served briefly as a security officer in the San Antonio area, and volunteered at the Converse Animal Shelter, reflecting her love of service and animals alike.

Carmen had a heart for animals and was a devoted advocate for animal rights. She rescued local cats and ensured they were spayed or neutered. Over the years, her children often brought her abandoned or injured wild animals, including, on one memorable occasion, Canadian geese eggs that she helped hatch and later raise. She also adored her own pets—two treasured cats, Ray-Ray and Silver, and her beloved dog, Bruno—who brought her immense comfort and joy. She was an enthusiastic member of the Red Hat Society, affectionately known as “Lady Frenchie Bug,” and delighted in the sisterhood, fun, and celebratory spirit of the group.

Her hobbies were as vibrant as she was—practicing yoga, creating ceramics, collecting dolls, stamps, and antiques, planting flowers, and decorating her yard for the holidays, earning her community’s Yard of the Month award. Carmen was also an avid reader, a history buff, and loved adventure travel, always eager to explore new places and learn new things.

Carmen’s love language was gift-giving, and she cherished every holiday season. She adored leopard and zebra prints, weaving them into her wardrobe with confidence and flair. She also kept her nails decorated to match the seasons and holidays, proudly showing them to her friends. Those close to her knew this signature style reflected her bold, glamorous, and spirited personality.

Carmen is survived by her husband of 52 years, Army Master Sergeant (Ret.) Lafayette “Larry” Bradley, Jr.; her children, Tania Nicole Bradley and Bryan Tranel Bradley; and her five grandchildren: Ayahna Domonique Reyes (30), Audrianna Angelique Leal (24), Tranel Bradley (21), Alayhna Anais Smith (21), and Amaurey Prince Juelz Dennis (15). She also leaves behind one great-grandson, Avery Emerson Long (7 months).

She is also survived by her sisters, Carolyn Bostick and Claudine Sangaré; her brothers, Claude Nonnenmacher and Jean-Luc Nonnenmacher; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Carmen is preceded in death by her parents, SFC (Ret.) Willie Bostick, Jr. and Marie-Louise Jacqueline Bostick, and by her brother, Jean-Pierre Nonnenmacher.