Charlotte Ann Bradshaw, 77, of Farmington, New Mexico, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on May 18, 2026, at 4:33 PM MST, surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous battle with illness.

Charlotte was born on July 9, 1948, in Durango, Colorado to Marcella Mae Strait and Jack Allen Nelson. After the passing of her father when she was six years old, her mother later married James A. Howieson, who lovingly helped raise Charlotte and her brother and sister Sandra and became their father and an important part of their family throughout her life.

Charlotte was raised in Farmington and graduated from Farmington High School in 1966. She went on to attend the University of New Mexico earning her Bachelor degree and later Arizona State University, earning her Masters degree and pursuing the calling that would shape the course of her life: education.

On July 17, 1971, Charlotte married the love of her life, Mark Eric Bradshaw, at First Presbyterian Church in Farmington. Together they built a marriage and family grounded in faith, devotion, compassion, and unwavering commitment to one another for more than fifty years.

Charlotte dedicated over 40 years to teaching children, shaping countless young lives through her patience, encouragement, and belief in the value and potential of every child. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom as she later spent 10 years helping train future educators as an adjunct professor with the University of New Mexico . She was the recipient of the Red Apple Flyer Teaching Award and was deeply respected by students, parents, colleagues, and the many teachers she mentored throughout her career.

A woman of deep and abiding Christian faith, Charlotte was baptized at First Presbyterian Church of Farmington on March 26, 1961, and later immersion baptism at Calvary Baptist Church of Farmington on January 30, 1972. She is a eight year member of Timberline Church in Aztec, New Mexico. Her faith guided every aspect of her life and was reflected in the kindness, grace, wisdom, and care she showed to others.

Charlotte was also a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma , teacher sorority ,and supporter of Shadow of His Wings mission in Kenya, Africa. She found her greatest joy in her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Mark Eric Bradshaw; her sons, Michael Brandon Bradshaw and wife Dena Bradshaw, and Matthew Aaron Bradshaw and wife Charity Bradshaw; her grandchildren, Katelyn Ann Schneider and husband Peter Schneider of Farmington, New Mexico, Avery Bradshaw and Aidyn Bradshaw of Houston, Texas, and Gavin Bradshaw and Cassidy Bradshaw of Elk City, Oklahoma; her brother, Richard A. Nelson,of Farmingto,NM, and wife Kathy; and her sister, Sandra K. Werner, husband Charlie of Elk City, Oklahoma; Teri Bradshaw, Cypress, Texas, and many extended family members, former students, friends, and fellow educators whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marcella Mae Strait and Jack Allen Nelson, and by James A. Howeison, who helped raise and guide her throughout her life.

Charlotte’s life was defined by faith, service, generosity, and love for her family and community. Her influence continues through the generations of children she taught, the educators she mentored, and the family she treasured so deeply.

Funeral service information will be announced by Farmington Funeral Home.

Services to be held at a later date, to be announced.