Obituary
On September 27, 2021, at the age of 73, Sheila Kay Bradford, formerly of Utica, New York, fell asleep in death peacefully at her residence in Ocala, Florida surrounded by her family. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished friend to many.
Sheila was born in Utica, New York on December 19, 1947. She was the daughter of Alonzo Rush and Mildred Olivia Rush(Rucker). She grew up and was raised in Utica NY where she attended business school and earned her Associates’ degree. She lived in Utica and Syracuse NY while raising her five children creating many family memories and loving close friendships. She moved to Ocala Florida in 1991.
She was a retired educator who worked in the school system both in New York and Ocala Florida for over 40 years. Sheila was a dedicated, passionate reading specialist and mentor to many of her young students and provided them not only with the fundamentals of reading but also instilled in them a love of learning and life skills.
After she studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses from a young age, Sheila made a dedication to Jehovah and was baptized July 28, 1974 in upstate New York. This began her 47 years walking of faith with her God, Jehovah. Sheila joyfully served in several congregations- Onondaga, Central-Syracuse, Riverside-Utica, and Ocala Central-Florida. She made many close and personal friendships through her faith creating great bonds and a large spiritual family. She was a loyal and cherished friend to many. She served as a full-time regular pioneer (evangelizer) dedicating over 70 plus hours per month to teaching bible truths to others since 1999. She enjoyed aiding many in the community to gain a thorough knowledge of the Bible. She also had the privilege of attending Pioneer School several times, the last one being just a few weeks ago where she shared in upbuilding other’s faith with her experiences and deep love of Bible truths.
Sheila’s faith and her love for people were evident to all and she was always a gracious and enthusiastic hostess. She loved entertaining and welcoming visitors to her home with a gracious smile. Many of her family and congregation members were recipients not only of her kindness and love but also her generous gifts in the form of meals and wonderful crafts. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Sheila Kay Bradford was preceded in death by her parents: Alonzo Rush, Mildred Rush, and sister Joyce.
She is survived by her two sisters: Mae Frances Cox and Thelma Porter
She leaves behind five children; her daughter Joyce Michelle Matthews and her husband William (Bill) Matthews; her son Christopher William Bradford and wife Melinda Bradford; Theresa Bradford, Brian Bradford; Patrick Bradford.
Grandchildren; Niara Matthews, Cameron Matthews, Christopher William Bradford II, Stefan Armani Bradford, Alyssa & Alan Serrano, Brandon & Amanda Roberts, Jaelyn Clark, Marquis Bradford, Brian Keith Bradford Jr, Alexis Star Bradford, Izell Giovanni Bradford, Amari Grace Rain Bradford, Devanae Bradford, Kiarra Bradford
Great-grandchild
Jahmari Bradford
And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and close colleagues.
Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff who shared in her healthcare.
Sheila Bradford’s strong conviction was in the resurrection hope, and she would encourage all to visit www.JW.org.
To all of her beloved family and friends she would urge all to “Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer.” Romans 12:12.
Memorial Service for Sheila Bradford
Time: Oct 3, 2021 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Sheila was such an amazing and loving person . I am glad to have had the pleasure of meeting her.
I will continue to keep your family in prayer.
Timothy Munnerlyn
Joel Beckham
Quincy Beckham
Michael Rush
David Foster
Love you,
Carol and Bob
Vertices, my mom is thinking of you all as well.
Deanna sends her love also.
Our prayers go out to you and the family for comfort and support. Rest in Peace Ms Bradford ♥️
With Love Toni Lewis and family
Prov. 18:24b
"but there is a friend (Shelia) who sticks closer than a brother". We will remember Shelia for her love and acts of loving kindness. Because of Shelia's kindness to our friend Krystina we also had the priviledge and benefit of knowing Shelia too. Our hearts are saddened that we won't see her beautiful smile or feel her warm hugs for a while. But we know she is safe in Jehovah's memory and when she stands up again we hope to be there to welcome her back. Sending our love and deepest sympathy to Chris and Miranda and all of their family, Kassandra and her family. Shelia is deeply missed by your friends in Canada xo
Sheila was a wonderful loving sister; who would give encouragement and talk about Jehovah to whoever she met,
Sheila and I had so much fun pioneering together. I thank Jehovah for our friendship,
Vernon and I are looking forward to seeing her again.
Prov. 18:24b
"but there is a friend (Shelia) who stuck closer than a brother" when she recognized her sister was in pain and acted with loving kindness. Because of Shelia's kindness others had the priviledge of benefiting from knowing Shelia too. Our hearts are saddened that we won't see her beautiful smile or feel her warm hugs for a while. But we know she is safe in Jehovahs memory and when she stands up again we hope to be there to welcome her back. Sending our love and deepest sympathy to Chris and his family, Kassandra and her family. Shelia will be deeply missed by your canadian family xo
I enjoyed so many meals listening to Sheila tell me stories about her life in New York, mostly about the ministry. She cooked the best mustard fried chicken among so many other things. I can't wait to welcome you back, my spiritual friend and mother.
I worked hand in hand with her . She truly was a blessing to me the students and my family. To many memories to speak of. However the cutest thing she would do is bring me her famous mustard chicken in the morning for breakfast freshly made.i still have her hand written recipe.
My deepest condolences and Love to all
Bless you Sheila and thank you for blessing me for being in my life
Always Mr B
Michael and Debra Brigano and family Daniel J Gahans son inlaw!!!!!
Love,
Your lil cousin LaTonya
Circuit Assembly
12/16/17
Sincerely,
Sis Lula Walker
Charlotte NC
My special friend with a beautiful smile and heart. She is missed but soon we will see her smiling , healthy saying I see you kept it moving and went to plan B!! What a friend
That smile! You were my encouragement keep it moving go to plan B. Looking forward to seeing my friend soon in the new world to come. Loved my Miss Sheila .
Sheila