Mark Edward Bradshaw's Obituary
Mark Edward Bradshaw died November 23, 2022 of natural causes in his
Memphis apartment. Mark’s passing was unexpected to all who knew him. He
is survived by his parents, Don Bradshaw and Ann Morelock; his longtime
companion, Helen Delong, and his sister-in-law, Danielle Bradshaw.
Mark was born on July 9, 1964 in Montgomery, AL and grew up in the Nashville area. He attended Dodson Elementary, DuPont Junior and DuPont Senior
High School in Old Hickory and Hermitage, TN. Mark studied trumpet and
piano and began composing music during these years. He attended the Sewanee Summer Music camp for 3 years, studying composition with Byron Adams.
He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition from Memphis
State University, a Master’s of Music from Rice University’s Shepherd School
of Music and a Doctorate in Music Composition from the University of Memphis, where he studied with Dr. John Baur. The University of Memphis Library
lists 56 works written by Mark, 20 for which they have scores in their library.
In 1993, while working as graduate assistant during his doctoral program, Mark
met Helen DeLong, who had returned to finish her music degree after a 20-year
absence. Mark and Helen enjoyed a committed and loving relationship for the
next 30 years and referred to each other as "BFFs."
Mark was born with a partial albinism that limited his vision. In addition, in
his early 20s, he had his first episode of mania due to a schizo-affective disorder that haunted him throughout his adult life. Because of these handicaps, all
roads were not open to him. However, the paths he was able to take, he pursued with a singular dedication.
He didn't dabble in fads or trivial pursuits. He immersed himself in big ideas
and mysticism, from complex serial methods of music composition to deep explorations of philosophy and religion. He drank black coffee and smoked far
too many cigarettes. During his college years, he began the study and practice
of karate, in which he eventually earned a third degree black belt.
Mark had a lifelong interest in Christianity as well as Zen Buddhism. He became an Associate Member (Brother) of the Order of the Holy Cross and completed a four year program of Education for Ministry organized (remotely) by
the University of the South School of Theology. Brother Mark participated for
many years in services and church activities at St John’s Episcopal Church in
Memphis, where he was named a “Street Missionary” for his outreach to the
poor and homeless. When he retired from work in the street, Mark continued
this ministry through letters, offering "succor" to those living through difficult
times with the Pastoral Care Group at the parish of the Church of Holy Communion, also in Memphis.
He was smart, talented, with moments of zany brilliance and creativity; he was
also self-denying and humble. In his journey through life, Mark dedicated
himself to what he believed in—whether or not these ideas were shared by society at large. He was a good friend to many. He was a pursuer of truth, not
afraid to take the road less followed. He was a rare isotope, a barefoot missionary, a bold voyager through dreams and reality.
A memorial for Mark will be held at 1pm on Thursday, January 12th at Church
of the Holy Communion at 4645 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38117.
What’s your fondest memory of Mark?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mark?
Share a story where Mark's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mark you’ll never forget.
How did Mark make you smile?