Sandra Bradshaw Green

Sandra Bradshaw Green, age 81, of Hiawassee, passed away peacefully and comfortably at her home on July 7, 2026, following a brief illness.

She was cared for in her final days by Appalachian Hospice Care, Blairsville, and her compassionate and attentive nephews, Jake and Jason.

Sandra was born on December 28, 1944, in Canton, North Carolina, the second child and only daughter of Neal Melton Bradshaw and Jessie Eleanora Tatham Bradshaw. She attended school in Towns County and graduated in 1962.

Following her graduation from high school, she married Vaughn Green and they moved to the suburbs of Atlanta. Although that marriage ended in divorce in 1978, she and Vaughn remained close, supportive friends for one another up until his death in 2019.

Sandra was a career Federal Civil Servant in the greater Atlanta area. She retired in 2001 and returned to her family homestead in rural Towns County. Always an avid gardener, retirement gave Sandra the opportunity to devote herself to creating an elaborate backyard showplace complete with multi-level terraced beds filled with hundreds of flowering plants and shrubs and a fishpond with a cascading waterfall. She also became an active and involved member of the Towns County Historical Society and served as its President for five years. During her time in office, she was instrumental creating the park atop Bell Mountain and in spearheading a project to revitalize the Old Rock Jail and make it into a museum that houses county memorabilia. The museum celebrated a Grand Reopening in June of this year. As part of those festivities, Sandra was presented with a plaque that honored her tireless contributions to preserving the county’s history.

In 2018, Sandra was baptized into Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Hayesville, NC, having been introduced to the church by her dear friend Jerry Taylor. There, she found a new community of caring friends.

Sandra was a lifelong supporter of progressive causes and fervently believed in the right of everyone to be themselves and love who they loved.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Ernest Bruce Bradshaw, her former husband, Vaughn, her very special friend Connie Durden, and many well-loved furry companions.

She is survived by her nephews Jacob Edwards-Bradshaw and his husband, Jason Edwards. Also surviving is her dear friend Frances Shook, whom Sandra lovingly referred to as “the sister I always wanted but never had.” She also leaves behind dear and faithful friends Jane Vollbrecht, Mary Beth Murphy, and Ellen Bell. Many other friends and relatives likewise survive to mourn her passing, as do her dogs, Butch and Sissy.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Hayesville, NC, with Father Bill Breedlove officiating.

Those wishing to make contributions to honor Sanda’s memory are encouraged to consider either the Towns County Historical Society or Castoff Pet Rescue in Blairsville, GA.

Cochran/McDaniel Funeral Home and Crematory, Hiawassee, is in charge of arrangements.