Jo Bradsher Obituary

Jo Ann Manning Bradsher

May 10, 1935 - January 25, 2026

Raleigh, North Carolina - Jo Ann Manning Bradsher, 90, died peacefully on January 25, 2026, in Raleigh, NC. She was born in Bethel, NC, (Pitt County), to Burles Clifton and Mildred Brown Manning.

Jo Ann grew up in Greenville, NC, and attended Greenville High School, now Rose High School, where she was Head Majorette. She attended Woman's College in Greensboro, NC, now UNC Greensboro, graduating with an associate degree. After college, Jo Ann worked for the NC Department of Revenue and the NC Employment Security Commission in Raleigh.

A friend introduced Jo Ann to John while he was attending UNC-Chapel Hill. They married on March 17, 1957, St. Patrick's Day, at Edenton Street United Methodist Church. They had three daughters and celebrated 66 years of marriage before John's passing. Jo Ann dearly loved her children and was always proud of their achievements. She stayed at home to raise the girls, and she enjoyed all their activities – dancing, tennis, cheering, Girl Scouts, and swim teams. Once the nest was empty, Jo Ann and John enjoyed trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, and Europe.

Jo Ann was a long-time member of Hayes Barton United Methodist Church and was very active in Hayes Barton's United Methodist Women (UMW). She served two years as President, several times as a Circle Leader, and two years as Bazaar Chairman. During her tenure as President, Hayes Barton's UMW established a scholarship program for women pursuing higher education.

Jo Ann showed her love through gifts and service. Countless baked goods were prepared and given to others, to the dismay of her children. She frequently surprised her close friends with edible gifts left on their porches. Caring for those in need, Jo Ann delivered Meals on Wheels for years.

Jo Ann is survived by her daughters, Debra Bradsher, Diane Bradsher Wilser (Gary) and Jenny Bradsher Wells; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Shirley Postas, and her husband, John D. Bradsher, Jr.

Jo Ann's service will be at 2 pm on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church located at 2209 Fairview Rd., in Raleigh. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall following the service. Burial will be private. The service will be streamed on hbumc.org/live.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hayes Barton United Methodist Church; Meals on Wheels of Wake County, 1001 Blair Dr., Ste 100, Raleigh NC 27603; or a charity of your choice.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the Bradsher family.