Celebrating the life of
Katherine Stevens Bradley
September 15, 1952 - September 11, 2026
Katherine “Kat” Stevens Bradley died on September 11, 2026 in Savannah, Georgia, after unexpected complications from a surgery and a stroke. Born in High Point, North Carolina, to Lottie and Lester Stevens, she was 73. She is survived by her only child Lucas Bradley, her three grandchildren, Annie, Charlie, and Ellie, her sweetheart Leonard Fletcher, her brother Kenneth Stevens, and a large extended family and friend group. Throughout her life, she lived in High Point; Columbia, SC; and her latest beloved community of Wilmington Island, Savannah.
Appropriately for a drama teacher and costumer extraordinaire, Kat wore many hats. She was a devoted mother to her only son, Lucas Bradley. She and Luke shared a love of old-time and Irish music. Kat infused that love in Luke by taking him to old time and Irish jams in Columbia and the North Carolina mountains. She and Luke also attended music festivals throughout the south, sleeping in the back of Kat’s car or in a tent and listening to pickers play the night away. She constantly made sure Luke knew she loved him. Luke will always appreciate everything that his Mom did for him and who she taught him to be. He will always love her.
Kat was an equally doting grandmother to her three grandchildren, Annie, Charlie, and Ellie. She loved nothing more than playing with the kids and hosting them at her house. A lifetime artist, she constantly encouraged the grandchildren to create art, and Annie seldom returned from a sleepover at Nana’s house without a new canvas that she had diligently painted with help from Nana. She also frequently joined the grandkids for dinner at Luke’s house, along with her daughter-in-law Katie. Every time she arrived, the grandchildren inevitably screamed “Nana!” and came charging towards the front door, where she was usually unloading a new group of musical instruments, books, and clothes with which to dote on them. They invariably then forced her to play “the game,” in which they paraded in front of her her pretending to be animals and forcing her to guess their animal identity. This would go on for *far too long*. As Nana observed about the game, “at least we’re sitting down.”
Kat was a loyal and loving partner to her sweetheart, Leonard “Fletch” Fletcher. After meeting late in life, they maintained residences in Savannah and Edisto Beach and adored spending time together in both locations. Kat thought Fletch hung the moon, and she kept his handwritten notes of affection scattered throughout her house, taped to cabinets and shelves. Fletch loved joining Kat on the screen porch for happy hours, dinners out together, and spending time with both partners’ families. They were also united in their fierce devotion to their small dogs, Quimby, BB, Nicholas, and Gunner. He loved her fiercely and misses her deeply.
Her social circle extended far beyond her family. Fletch playfully teased Kat about her similarity to the outgoing characters in Progressive commercials because of her inexhaustibly social nature and ability to make friends with anyone she met. Within a year of moving to Savannah, Kat had developed a friend group that would be the envy of most twenty-year residents. She also maintained lifelong friends from her decades in Columbia, SC. One of her oldest friends described her as a “safe harbor” and a “home.” Her other friends would agree. As Kat’s life ended, Fletch and Luke heard from dozens of people who loved her with rare devotion.
Although Kat had retired well prior to her death, she was a stellar schoolteacher for decades. Her longest and last teaching home was at Brennan Elementary School in Columbia, where her son Luke attended and where she taught drama for almost twenty years. She was a notoriously fun teacher (although she would want it mentioned that she maintained excellent classroom control) and demonstrated a singular ability to direct a gaggle of hundreds of elementary school children. Every year, she staged multiple productions, including a still-famous annual third-grade play in which approximately 130 students each had a speaking role. It is no surprise that she was honored as Teacher of the Year during her time at Brennan and was universally understood to be an institution within the school.
Kat’s deepest identity, beyond the people she loved, was as an artist, writer, and believer in the world around her. She created constantly. She generated visual and mixed-media art at an incredible clip, including personalized books for her grandchildren and homemade cards for their birthdays and special occasions. Growing up, Luke ate dinner on a rotating array of handmade artistic placemats reflecting whatever his interest was at the time—one month sharks, another dinosaurs. Once, trying to fool the Tooth Fairy, Luke created a fake tooth out of white modeling clay and put it under his pillow. The next morning, he awoke to a meticulously crafted green clay one-dollar bill. Kat, it turns out, could use her art for good or for mischief.
She was also a lifetime musician. A piano performance major who also played guitar, accordion, dulcimer, ukulele, and fiddle, she constantly wrote original songs and was a member of multiple bands throughout her life—especially devoting time to the Fabulous Porkskins in the 1990s-2000s, Slap Wore Out in the 2010s, and the Island Pickers in the 2020s. She created a music video for one of her latest original songs, Close Up Your Laptop and Open Up Your Heart. In Savannah, she sang in the choir at her church, Asbury Memorial, and played in a musical group that visited memory-care centers and played for the residents.
In her last decade, however, Kat’s preferred medium was the written word. After a first stroke in 2013, from which she recovered, she created Healing In Spirit, a collection of acrostic poems and essays about her recovery from a stroke and her lifelong efforts to understand and buttress her own heart and soul. A brutally raw work, it exemplified her artistic honesty, her deep care, and her uncommon openness. She also prolifically authored children’s books, including a book to help calm children facing pediatric cancer. Those books joined a repertoire of scripts and plays she had written throughout her drama career, including a South Carolina history television show optioned by ETV that still teaches children to this day.
These artistic endeavors flowed from a common wellspring. While not traditionally religious, Kat had deep faith and belief. She believed in the beauty of nature and the universe and in the divine feminine, going so far as to craft an “Our Mother’s Prayer” as a counterpoint to the traditional Our Father. She believed in the good of people, the power of art, and in the intrinsic worth of herself and others. That belief bubbled up from her like a spring. It is who she was. It is what we will miss.
Kat was more than her resume. She was our mom, our Nana, our sweetheart, our friend, our confidant, our eccentric aunt, our drinking buddy, our dog-parent, our bandmate, our teacher, our director, our scene partner, and our sounding board. In death, she will remain our template for living a deeply open, vibrant, caring, interconnected, spiritual life. We love her and will miss her.
Services will be announced at a later date.
Kathy was most beloved friend and kindred spirit who took me with open arms and who never said no to an opportunity to laugh deeply and share her love of music and art in all its forms. My song book is thicker because of her and it will be difficult to make it through “Little Bird of Heaven” without feeling the love I have for her and how much we miss her.
- Julie Chiles, Candler, NC
Kat was one of my Island Picker buddies for several years. She was very kind-hearted, and had a laugh that filled the room. When I lost my daughter last year, she was there with food and a shoulder to cry on. When I lost my dog she was there once again with flowers and sympathy. I will always remember her.
- John McKinstry , Savannah , Georgia
Kat was a true artist with an incredible spirit. She brought expertise and joy to our group The Island Pickers. She has left a hole in our group and will be very much missed. We love you Kat and thank you for being you and for being a valued member of our group.
- Margaret Lewin, Avenue, GA
Kathy and I met when she and I were teaching at Brennen Elementary in Columbia in the early 90's. We hit it off right away and spent a lot of time together “back in the day.” Most of that time was spent talking and laughing— nobody cracked me up more than Kathy! Although we didn't see each other once she moved to Savannah, I have always considered her to be a dear friend. A few months ago she called me out of the blue, and I was so happy to reconnect! I hope she knew how much I treasured her as a friend. I will never forget the happy times we had. RIP friend.❤️
- Sandy Scsrborough, Columbia, SC
Luke, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet mom... Praying for comfort and peace for you and all who loved her.
- Renee Portell, Savannah, GA
Marian Crum-Mack · Oh my goodness - Kathy was such a special person to me and to everyone. It was an honor to work with her during my time at Brennen Elementary. A few years ago, I visited with her when I was in Savannah and we had just corresponded in the last year about getting together soon.  Her obituary is beautifully written and truly captures her spirit. Luke - you were her pride and joy! I hope you will take comfort in knowing how much she loved spending her final years close to you in Savannah.
- Marian Anne Crum-Mack, Daniel Island, SC
I'm so sorry for the family's (and community's loss). My eyes have been watering for a couple weeks now, especially yesterday, and at this moment. Now my throat catches a little, but I AM happy that so many received so much from this fine friend. I have so many good memories, that she will stay here in my heart, where she has been and belongs.
- Rob T, Columbia, sc
Kathy was a fellow choir member at Asbury Memorial.
- Pat & Mary Prokop, Savannah, GA
Kathy was a fellow choir member at Asbury Memorial.
- Pat & Mary Prokop, Savannah, GA
Kathy was a fellow choir member at Asbury Memorial.
- Pat & Mary Prokop, Savannah, GA
Kathy was a fellow choir member. We have another member named Cathy so I called Kat "Kathy with a K" and she called me "Mary with an M." I'll miss her.
- Pat & Mary Prokop, Savannah, GA
Our children were blessed by Kathy Bradley as their teacher at Brennan Elementary. She was a phenomenal teacher and person. We are grateful for her time with us. Janie
- Janie Godbold, Columbia, SC
Kathy Bradley was a terrific drama educator. Her students truly enjoyed working with her, especially during her various student productions. I also had the pleasure of working with her and always appreciated her dedication, creativity, and kindness. Before moving to Savannah, Kathy would occasionally stop by the school. Each time she came, she would make a point of checking on how my daughter was doing. She genuinely cared about her students and the people in their lives. Afterward, she was always so happy to share how her own family was doing as well. Kathy was definitely a fantastic educator, but even more importantly, she was a truly special person. Her compassion, warmth, and genuine love for others made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will certainly be remembered and missed.
- Mark Shea , Blythewood, SC
Luke, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mama! She was such a ray of sunshine and was always so kind. Please know Ned and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Caroline and Ned Barnes
- Caroline Barnes, Camden, South Carolina
Mrs. Bradley was the person who got me into acting. I still remember her classes and the shows we put on. I was an emotional kid but she was always so kind and compassionate to me. She was truly a light and I wish I got the chance to tell her how much she impacted me. My condolences to the family.
- Baker Morrison, Houston, TX
Kathy shared this photo with me from her collection a few months ago. I remember that it was taken during a lull in the music when we were at the Publick House Tavern Irish session back in the day. I think that Luke may have taken it. Kathy will be so missed...
- ConnieRobinette, Columbia, SC
My dear, dear friend of 55 years. My favorite piano duet partner. My buddy. She, of the huge, loving (and, sadly, weak) heart. How we will miss you!
- Ace & Pam Tubbs, Norfolk, VA
Kats positivity, energy and love for the arts inspired me in ways I cannot put into words. She will be so deeply missed by all who knew her and I wish more than the world that I could've given her one more hug and seen her sing and play guitar one more time. Love you and miss you Kat.
- Abby Fletcher, Fort Collins, Colorado
Oh Kathy... it has been 45 years since I stayed at your house during one of the saddest times in my life. I have never forgotten all the ways in which you were there to cry with me, laugh with me, and just be your wonderful, caring self... I have treasured that memory all of my life. Today is your birthday... Instinct told me to look you up, and I found out that you are now delighting angels with your presence... I can tell from the words I just read that your grandkids will carry memories of you forever! There is a void in many lives today... Happy Birthday in Heaven from one Nana to another. XOX
- Shannon Scott, Spring Branch, Texas
Kathy was multi-faceted in too many ways to count funny, talented, genuine, generous, selfless, heartfelt, introspective, outgoing, and open to all she met along the way. She and I shared a spiritual philosophy in our belief in the beauty of nature and the universe as well as the power of music to touch all people and bring them together. Years ago, Kat wrote a birthday poem for me that was focused not on growing up but on "growing out." Here are the last three lines: "Our time is limited, but this berry is still sweet. Up until the last moment of starlight, Take pleassure in the delights that make you happy." I will treasure her memory and her lifeforce as an example of how to live my best life going forward. Godspeed, Kathy, as you embark on your next journey.
- Sandy Wright, COLUMBIA, SC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
