Del Juanice Bradley, 86, of Lubbock, and formerly of Pampa, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2022, in Lubbock.
Services will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, December 22, 2022, in the Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Pastor Kyle Ohsfeldt, pastor of Grace Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.
Del was born on September 7, 1936, in Matador, Texas to Delbert and Minnie Groves. She lived with her grandparents for the first 7 years of her life, in Floydada, until they moved to Pampa with her parents. Del attended Pampa High School and graduated in 1954. Later that year, she married Jerry Davis. The two were married until 1984. While in Pampa, Del had a few different jobs that she enjoyed. She had a bed and bath store that she owned and operated. She volunteered for the Trailee Crisis Center and as an events coordinator for the Boy Scouts, taking the boys on several skiing trips. Del also ran her Christmas shop, decorating many of the local businesses. She loved crafts and was incredibly skilled. She would attend craft shows all over the area and would sell the things that she had designed and created. Del was a member of the Pampa Bridge Club and First Baptist Church.
In 1987, while working for a stockbroker’s office, she met Orvin Bradley. They married on October 24, 1987 and continued to live in Pampa until 1990. The couple moved to Hobbs, New Mexico in January of 1990 and lived there until October of 1998. In 1998, Orvin and Del moved to Lubbock and started their carpet cleaning business from scratch. Del worked as the secretary but continued to sell her crafts on the side. They enjoyed their work together until 2008 when they decided to retire.
During retirement, Del would relax at home and sew, as well as garden. Orvin and Del also travelled the country in their camper, visiting the grandkids, going from garage sale to garage sale, and going down to South Texas for the winters.
Del was a wonderful and patient lady that loved everybody. When she made friends, she made friends for life. She would always say, “You have to be a friend to have a friend.” Del also had a soft spot for all children, saying, “All children are given to us by God to love and cherish,” and “All children are special and have good points. It’s up to the parents to find the good and nurture it.” Del was greatly loved and will be missed by so many.
She is preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Marion Groves; a grandchild, Evangeline; and a son, Glen Davis; and special friend, Janie Davis.
Del is survived by her husband, Orvin Bradley of the home; five children, Suzan Davis of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sharon Davis of Lubbock, Tara Whitson and husband Rodney of Canyon, Michael Bradley and wife Jody of White Deer, and Karie Nugent and husband Carl of Ardmore, Oklahoma; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Barbara Beard.
Please sign the online register at www.carmichael-whatley.com.
