WILMINGTON — Gloria Simpson Bradford, age 89, of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025. She was born on May 2, 1935, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to the late Edna Simpson Brown and stepfather, Woodrow Wilson Brown.
Gloria was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and educator. She was the loving wife of Harrison Bradford for many years. Together, they built a beautiful family.
Gloria graduated from Fayetteville State University in 1957, where she earned her degree and laid the foundation for a lifelong career in education. She dedicated 30 years to teaching at Topsail Middle and High Schools, where her impact on her students was profound.
Gloria always sought to inspire and nurture the minds of those in her care, leaving a lasting legacy as an educator.
A proud member of the Williston High School Class of 1953, Gloria cherished the relationships she made with her classmates over the years.
A lifelong member of Central Missionary Baptist Church, Gloria held numerous positions, including teaching Sunday School, leading Vacation Bible School, serving as the Church Clerk, and singing in the choir. Her faith was central to her life, and she was committed to serving her church and community.
Gloria was deeply involved in her community, assisting with voter registration in New Hanover County and volunteering at the New Hanover Health Department. Even in retirement, she continued her passion for education, helping students at Eaton Elementary School. She was also a proud member of the Continentals and the Retired Teachers Association, where she continued to stay active and connected with fellow educators.
Gloria is survived by her husband of 51 years, Harrison Bradord; daughter, Valerie S. Ellerby and son-in-law, Timothy Ellerby; grandchildren, Andrea and Harrison Ellerby; sisters, Edna Nixon (Robert) and Darthenia Chambers, many nieces, nephews, and extended family who will remember her with love and admiration.
Gloria’s legacy will live on through the many lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith. She will be remembered as a woman who gave her heart to her family, her students, and her community.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Central Missionary Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association in Gloria’s memory.
