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) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83886314013 Meeting ID: 838 8631 4013 If you are unable to use internet you can Dial in by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbvkLL4IiF