Born on December 2, 1922 in Hartsville, South Carolina
Passed on January 25, 2026 in West Melbourne, Florida
Kathryn G. Braddock
Sadly, we announce the passing of our beloved “Kay” Kathryn G. Braddock, 103 years old.
Kay was born December 2, 1922 to Annie Elizabeth Bennett Goodson and Troy A. Goodson in Hartsville, South Carolina, where she later met & married in 1942, her sweetheart, John “JB” Braddock. Together they raised 4 children and after retiring, settled in the Melbourne area to be near family.
Kay’s zest for life was infectious as was her smile and laughter. She loved to be on the go, but mostly treasured family time and especially enjoyed her many grandchildren who called her Mama Kay. She was a faithful church goer, an avid reader, bridge player and generous volunteer both with the American Red Cross during WWII and later through her lifetime membership in The United Methodist Church.
She was predeceased by her beloved JB and their dear daughter, Kathy.
Kay is survived by her children Sherry (Gary), John III (Marianne), Mark (Barbara); grandchildren John IV (Kim), Joe, Jennifer, Alison, Tashi, Chris, Annie (David), Laura; 20 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren and the Chuck Goodson (Jo Anne) family who were very close to her and friend (almost a grandson) Mark K.
The family wishes to express gratitude and great appreciation to Kay’s “ladies”, Ina and Natalie whose gentle and dedicated care of her with love & kindness will always be gratefully remembered by us. She loved you both! A very special thank you and much gratitude to Tricia who gave Kay loving
friendship and fun companionship in her later years. You made her very happy and she loved you!
Services will be held on Thursday February 5, 2026 at 10 a.m. at First Church Melbourne, 110 East New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, Florida, followed by interment at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 South US 1, Rockledge, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation via the below link to “Promise in Brevard” in honor of Kathryn G. Braddock.
Farewell to our beloved Kay, a beautiful, loving soul who remains forever in our hearts and memories.
Natalie Lewis
from Palm Bay wrote on February 5, 2026:
I’m so honored to have known and worked with such a beautiful and lovely individual.
Mark Moran
from Palm Bay wrote on February 5, 2026:
My condolences.
Greg Rodriguez
from Melbourne wrote on February 5, 2026:
Kay was loved by everyone who had the privilege of meeting her. Her presence always brought joy when seeing her at Christmas parties or other gatherings. She was the heart and foundation of an amazing family, and her absence will be felt deeply. She will be greatly missed.
Courtney Linnell
from Olney, MD wrote on February 4, 2026:
Mama Kay was like a second grandma to me. I’ve been best friends with Alison for 45 years and I remember finding any excuse to visit their house when MK and JB were visiting. They were always happy to see me, telling stories and laughing, and there was always so much love. I will forever remember how MK said my name, with such joy. MK gave so much love to the family and those around her, and it has been magical watching how this family poured their love into her all of these years. You kept her surrounded with love, joy, storytelling, and laughter - all things that she gave to us for so long. She was loved and she will be missed.
Jen Ryan
from Brambleton wrote on February 4, 2026:
Mama Kay was a legend-she was kind, strong, quick-witted, and had unlimited energy. Mama Kay had a way of making everyone feel special and she could always remember the smallest details about my life, no matter what.
Mama Kay was also an amazing storyteller and listener, when I was around her, I always knew a great conversation would be had and heartfelt advice would be given. I love you so much Mama Kay.
Kim Norland (Gainey)
from Roswell, GA wrote on February 3, 2026:
I have very fond memories of my Great Aunt Kay. My parents, J.W. and Deanne, were very close to Kay and J.B. As a young girl, I enjoyed watching the grown ups have home parties in Ohio. Twister seemed to be one of the most fun games that they enjoyed. I also remember my favorite dish that Kay made ...... Chicken Bog. I loved it so much! My mom, my sister, and myself have all tried to make it, but it never turns out quite right. I remember her telling me that Mark said it "wasn't fitting to eat" without pepper. As I became an adult, I came to know her as being fun loving and interesting, with a great curiosity.
Amy Stack
from Madison wrote on February 3, 2026:
I got to know sweet Mama Kay through her granddaughter Alison. Alison always had great stories to tell about the time she spent with her, and I feel lucky that I got to share in a few of them. Her commitment to her family and her love story with Daddy J was inspiring. She was a light and a force. Wishing the entire Braddock family love and peace.
Debbie Herbert
from Titus wrote on February 2, 2026:
Kay was my great aunt and I have so many wonderful memories of our family get togethers in Ohio. She was best of friends with my parents, J.W. and Deanne Gainey. She will be missed!
Sherry Shifflet
from Silver Spring, MD wrote on February 2, 2026:
My mother. What a role model! She guided me through the ups and downs of life. Of course, one of the first lessons was the spiritual experience. She was a devoted Methodist, and I followed in her footsteps. Next, came family. I was the oldest of four. We always had activity going on in our homes in South Carolina and Ohio. We took road trips, packed with a picnic for the car, to visit family and amusement parks at Myrtle Beach and Cedar Point. Later, I became a mother myself, and she made extended trips to Maryland to help with two active daughters. All agree she liked a good party, and she knew how to create a delicious menu. I will miss her, as she has been a guiding light for
my children and my grandchildren.
Lorraine Frycki
from Wytheville wrote on February 2, 2026:
Uncle John, Aunt Marianne, John, Joe, and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies. Kevin, Lorrie, Stephanie, Rob, Matthew, and Annie.
Amy Goodson
from Cleveland, Ohio wrote on January 31, 2026:
Aunt Kay, you will be missed. Your influence was beyond measure!
Alison Holder
from Rockville, Maryland wrote on January 31, 2026:
With her sweet Southern charm and boundless energy, MamaKay had a gift for turning ordinary moments into fun, lasting memories. Her home & her heart were always open. No one ever left her presence without feeling welcomed, loved, and entertained. Her legacy lives on in the way she taught us to care for one another, to keep family close, and to always make room at the dinner table for one more!
Marianne Braddock
from Melbourne Beach wrote on January 30, 2026:
Kay was my mother-in-law since 1968, and most of all she was my friend. We shared so many wonderful memories and good times together. Many road trips to the mountains and other fun places always ended with her reluctance to go home and end our trip.
She loved to "go" and never turned down an invitation.
Her most favorite part of trips when staying at a hotel was having room service breakfast delivered to her room! It made her feel so luxurious! She loved to see as she said, "the cart covered with a white tablecloth being rolled into her room". Besides our trips, we had good times at home too, shopping, playing bridge, movies and as my husband said about us...."talking non stop". We had a great rapport and enjoyed yakking, joking & being together. I will miss her terribly and my heart is breaking over losing her. I loved her and I always felt loved by her. I cherish our closeness and our memories. She was one of a kind, the best friend & great lady.
Holly Barnette
from Topeka wrote on January 30, 2026:
Love you Forever Mamma Kay! The kids and I miss you, but we know you are in a good place. We'll never forget your wonderful love!
John Braddock IV
from Melbourne wrote on January 30, 2026:
Mama Kay was legendary even before I was born and I am the oldest grandchild. Her and Daddy J’s life was always the standard that the generations that came after aspired to. I had the good fortune to spend a summer with Mama Kay when I was around 8 years old. It has always stuck with me as one of the most magical times of my life. The house in Ohio was like a castle to me. The back yard and gorge. The basement. The piano. And the stop light in there. Mama Kay made everything special. Because she was special. The kind of person that we all get to know once in our lives if we are lucky. Fortunately I was lucky. We had many other great interactions when they moved to Surfside and then to Florida. Mama Kay and Daddy J will always be connected to me and always be legendary. I am so very happy that they are reunited now and at peace.
Jo Anne Goodson
from West Melbourne wrote on January 30, 2026:
I loved you from the very moment Chuck brought me to your home in Cuyahoga Falls, and that love only grew yearly. I am so blessed to have had you in my life for 56 years, and I shall never forget you, and your love for going. Even though we are not blood related, I inherited that same love of always wanting to go. We spent so many good times on the road together, and I shall cherish every one of them. I will miss you every day of my life.
Bob Arnold
from Palm Bay wrote on January 30, 2026:
It was an honor to know you, sweet lady. It was always a joy to see you, loved your hugs and waves. I will always treasure the day you made me pizza for lunch and we sat out on your porch and ate it. You are already missed 😓 Love you❤️ Your lawn man.
Justin Evans
from Knoxville, TN wrote on January 30, 2026:
Mama K will be missed she was so very welcoming when I first met her and made me feel like a part of her family from the first moments. My heart and thoughts are with the Braddocks, I’m deeply saddened by your loss. I love you all and wish I could be there.
Joe Braddock
from Indialantic wrote on January 30, 2026:
We all were so blessed to have you in our lives all these years. Your smile, laugh and spirit uplifted us all throughout our lives. We love you and will miss you greatly. However, we know that you are now with JB in the best place possible.
Born on December 2, 1922 in Hartsville, South Carolina