Carol Jean Bradshaw Shaneyfelt, age 93, died on September 17, 2023, following a slow health decline. She died surrounded by her family members at her home, 411 Parson Brown Way, Longwood, Florida.
She was predeceased by her husband of 37 years, William Earl Shaneyfelt, and her daughter Joni Shaneyfelt Elliott Thompson Hitchings.
She is survived by her daughters Debra Shaneyfelt Beckman of Longwood, Florida, Barbara Shaneyfelt McGowin of Goose Creek, South Carolina, and Billie Jean Shaneyfelt McClung, of Longwood, Florida; her son-in-law David Joe Beckman, of Longwood, Florida; her Grandchildren William Keith Beckman, of Lake Mary, Florida, Brian Nathaniel Beckman of Longwood, Florida, Tara Elliott Moreton, of Altamonte Springs, Florida, Riley Thomas Elliott of Oveido, Florida, Jena Thompson Huey, of Apopka, Florida, Melody Lynn McGowin, of Whippany, New Jersey, Jeffrey David McGowin, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, Molly Lizbeth McGowin, of Longview, Washington, William Shane Carney, of Altamonte Springs, Florida, Robert Lance McClung of Lockport, New York, and Joshua Wesley McClung of Port Orange, Florida; and Greatgrandchildren Lia Rose Beckman, Luke Robert Beckman, Daisy Belle Beckman, Sage Elizabeth Beckman, Charlotte Ann Beckman, Farrah Whitley Moreton, John Constantine Elliott, Athena Theresa Huey, Eris Nova Huey, Eleanor Hadhoum Kouss, Hadya Emmeline Kouss, Elijah Shane Carney, Josiah David Carney, Isabella Grace Carney, Alexandra Bailey McClung, Gabrielle Jane McClung, Maddie Ava McClung, Robert Aiden McClung and Jack Ethan McClung; and her siblings Juanita Bradshaw Thompson of Greensboro, North Carolina, Yvonne Bradshaw Jarrett Haase of Marietta, Georgia, and Woodson Wynne Bradshaw of Bland, Virginia. She predeceased her parents Frank Bradshaw and Barbara Cooper Bradshaw, and her siblings Fred Allen Bradshaw, Frank “Wimpy” Bradshaw, Donna Mae Bradshaw Burton, George Allen Bradshaw, Virginia Bradshaw Cash, Shannon “Jake” Bradshaw and Amos Edward Bradshaw.
Carol Bradshaw Shaneyfelt was the third child, but first daughter of Barbara and Frank Bradshaw, who had eleven children. She graduated from Bland County High School at age 16, as the Valedictorian. She attended Radford College, but left to join the Women in the Air Force. While stationed in Alabama, she met her husband, William “Bill” Shaneyfelt. She spent 32 months in the military where she taught officers and airmen and was a telephone-type operator. After moving to Arkansas in 1965, with her husband and four daughters, she earned her undergraduate degree in Education and then her Master’s Degree in Counseling, from Arkansas State University. Carol was active in the First United Methodist Church of Blytheville, Arkansas, the Writers Guild, Arkansas Education Association, Arkansas Counselor Association and Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Educators. She retired after 30 years as a teacher and counselor in Blytheville, Arkansas.
In 1993, following the death of her husband, Carol moved to Central Florida, to be closer to her family. There, she became active in Sanlando United Methodist Church of Longwood, Florida, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She continued to enjoy calligraphy and reading, especially faith-based works. Carol was surrounded by her family and played an active part in nurturing her many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was known for her thoughtful correspondence with her family and friends. She was a Prayer Warrior for everyone.
A Memorial Service will be held at Sanlando United Methodist Church of Longwood, Florida, on October 7 at 2:00 p.m. with reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Donations can be made in her memory to Sanlando United Methodist Church of Longwood, Florida.