Cathy Cline Bradshaw

Cathy Cline Bradshaw, 77, of Wynne, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 13, in Jonesboro. She leaves behind a large and loving family and many friends who are mourning the loss of the love, light, and grace that have gone out of the world with her passing. Cathy was born in Helena, Arkansas, to Joe and Loraine Wolfe Cline on August 25, 1947. The eldest sister to two brothers, Cathy learned early how to strike a commanding presence and give orders to the men around her. Her father, Joe, owned Parker’s Hardware in Helena, and Cathy had fond memories of growing up in a small town. Cathy graduated from Central High School in 1965 and then attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She moved to Benton a few years later to raise her two children. She played golf, enjoyed her bridge club, and was active in her church community. In the late 1970s Cathy became involved in politics after meeting then-Attorney General Bill Clinton. She would go on to work on Clinton’s campaigns for governor and was appointed to run his Office of Boards and Commissions. Her gregarious and lively personality made Cathy the perfect hostess and connector. With blue eyes that sparkled and a smile that could light up a room, her presence never went unnoticed. In 1986, Cathy married her best friend and love of her life, Jerry Bradshaw. They lived and worked in Central Arkansas for 30 years amongst a large circle of dear friends and colleagues in state government and politics. They seized every opportunity to travel and spend time at the beach with family and friends. Wherever they went, they were the life of the party. Cathy became Chief of Staff to Secretary of State for Bill McCuen in 1986, where she developed a deep love for caring for and preserving the State Capitol. Her creative vision and talent for creating beautiful spaces brightened the marbled halls and offices of the Capitol and the surrounding gardens for years. In 2003, she returned to that role under Secretary of State Charlie Daniels. Cathy was the inspiration behind many of the decorations, furnishings, and holiday celebrations that endure at the Capitol today, and took great pride in maintaining the building and grounds as though they were her home. Cathy held other public-service roles during her long career, including working for the Arkansas House of Representatives, the Departments of Workforce Education, Parks and Tourism, the Cooperative Extension Service, and Garvan Woodland Gardens. However, her most treasured years were those she spent in the State Capitol. Cathy cherished one of the most important roles of her life as “Cathy Grandmother.” After retiring, she and Jerry moved to Wynne to be near their children and grandchildren where Cathy delighted in orchestrating egg hunts, trips to the beach, and all of the birthdays and weddings that filled the years. Ever the creator of beautiful spaces, Cathy and Jerry renovated their home in Wynne’s historic district, which became a welcoming hub for friends to stop by and enjoy Cathy’s hospitality. Cathy was especially proud of her yard and fountains, and had an endless list of projects for Jerry to help create the perfect spots to sit and enjoy the beauty of nature and good conversation. Cathy was active in the First United Methodist Church of Wynne. She served on the building committee after the 2023 tornado and worked diligently on plans to rebuild the church and preserve its history for the community. She was also member of the Wynne Garden Club and deeply loved her adopted hometown. She was like a flower that blossomed wherever she was planted. Enduring memories of Cathy will be of her love for her family, her sharp sense of humor and her quick wit. She was gracious and gregarious, a commanding leader and a loving friend. She made things beautiful. She brought her gift to the world of seeing what something could be and giving of her time and special touch to create it. Her final gift, at the end of her life, was the donation of her organs so that others might have life, and enjoy it with the same zest that she did. Cathy is survived by her loving husband, Jerry, her children, Helen Halbert (Chuck) of Lexa, Chris Gibson (Page) of Little Rock, Stan Bradshaw (Beth) of Birdeye, and Sarah Jane Martin (Cade) of Jonesboro; nine grandchildren, Emily Darnell (Nelson), Tripp Halbert (Lauren), Jake Halbert; Linton Bradshaw, Katie Bradshaw, and Reece Bradshaw; Hayes Martin and Margaret Martin; Gray Gibson, and one great-grandson, Ford Halbert; brothers Ernie Cline (Karen) and Chuck Cline (Jane); sister-in-law, Sarah Bradshaw, and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Loraine. A graveside memorial service will be held on Monday, May 19, at 2:00 p.m. at Cogbill Cemetery in Wynne. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Wynne. Kernodle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may sign an online guestbook at www.kernodlefh.com

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Cathy Cline Bradshaw

August 25, 1947 - May 13, 2025