Rachel Ann Bradshaw Howard, 79 of Salisbury North Carolina went peacefully home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, March 30, 2026, after a brief period of declining health.

Rachel was born on February 2, 1947, in Richmond, VA to a Baptist Minister the late Dr. Ortie Bradshaw and the late Bernice Guill Bradshaw. She graduated from high school in Jonesboro, TN and began work as a seamstress, later she began designing/sewing her clothes.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Roy Wayne Howard and siblings, Jerry Bradshaw and Jim Bradshaw.

Left to cherish all the wonderful memories of Rachel are her sister, Elizabeth (Bibby) Carlton of Salisbury, NC, Sister-in-law Pat Bradshaw of Navarre, Florida and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rachel moved to Salisbury, NC in 2021 after the death of her husband to be close to her sister and extended Carlton family.

Rachel loved her church families and enjoyed being in service every time she could. She was a member of Madison Avenue Baptist Church, Covington KY and later joined North Main Baptist Church in Salisbury, NC. A very special thank you to Rev. Bell & wife Gladys of Covington, Ky and Dr. Dale Robertson and wife Claudia of Salisbury, NC for all the special love and attention that you so freely gave to Rachel.

Rachel’s thoughtfulness, kindness, sincere smile, colored pictures and thank you notes were a blessing to many. Special thanks to Kevin & Wendy Carlton for the countless ways they made it possible for Rachel to live close to family these past five years.

A graveside service will be held on April 20, 2026, at 11:00 at Independence Cemetery in Independence, KY with the Pastor Clay D. Bell, Sr officiating. A Celebration of Life will also be held at North Main Baptist Church in Salisbury, NC on May 2, 2026, at 2:00pm with the Dr. Dale Robertson officiating. Please make all memorial donations to either Madison Avenue Baptist Church, 10 East Robbins Street, Covington, KY 41011 or to North Main Baptist Church, 1501 N Main St. Salisbury, NC 28144. Swindler and Currin Funeral Home is serving the family.