Gloria Jean Bradford began her life on September 6, 1956. She was born to the union of Joseph Martin Meredith and Elsie Etta McClinic in Columbus, Ohio.
She was the third of five children. During the early years of Gloria’s life, the family lived on the east side of Columbus. It was during this time she attended Fair Avenue School and for a time Franklin. When the family moved to Linwood Avenue in the southeast quadrant of the city, she continued her education at Roosevelt School and then eventually South High School. Gloria was a very caring and giving individual.
It was her gift, her passion and purpose in life to ease the suffering of others by leading with her outstretched hand. In her earliest years post high school life, Gloria’s desire to care for others positioned her in nursing homes where the need for love, compassion, and a willingness to listen was the greatest. The events in her life during a brief marriage to an Army serviceman placed her and her young family in Germany. Upon her return to Columbus, she re-united with her family and took a position with Honda of America in Marysville, Ohio, until receiving the call to return to care. This time, the need was personal and during the latter years of her mother’s life. It was here she yielded the best of herself and her gift unselfishly. She made the last years of her mother’s life dignified and honorable, sending her home as no other could. Gloria loved her family and her friends. She was always placing the needs of others before those of her own, especially her grandsons. There was nothing she would not do for these young men.
This wonderful soul leaves to mourn her passing her loving, devoted, “ride or die” daughter Michelle Rogers (Stan) and an adopted daughter Tashia Hines; three grandsons, Tyler Bradford (Brittney), Dion Rogers and Isaiah Bradford (Jasmine); six great-grandchildren, T.J., Tahj, Nyla, Issac, Jade, and Malachi; four siblings, Maryellen Crockett (Howard), Edward Meredith (Deborah), Rena Elliott (Quentin) and James Anthony (Tarenza). She also leaves to mourn several nieces and nephews, close cousins, and other family members as well as a host of very close and endearing life-long friends. Gloria closed her eyes for the last time on the eve of October 28, 2023, after ushering her daughter out of the room with a few gentle commands and the assurance that all was well.
Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday, November 11, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.).
Interment at Glen Rest Memorial Estates.
Sending a wish for peace to your family during your time of sorrow.
Tina Carter
Linwood Ave
Gloria and Family,
Sending love and lots of hugs, your Mother is in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Peace and Lifting The Family up in prayer
Victoria (Anthony) Taylor
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your mother, we pray your faith will give you strength to heal. The loss of your incredible mother has saddened me, you and your family will remain in my prayers and in my family prayers.