Beloved Bradenton Council Member Mary Fulford Passes Away at 88

Sarasota, FL, USA - Mary Joyce Cochran Fulford, a cherished member of the Bradenton community, passed away at the age of 88 on June 11, 2025, at Emcompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Sarasota, FL. Her life was a tapestry woven with love, service, and creativity, leaving behind a legacy that many will remember fondly. Fulford was born on February 26, 1937, in Wythe County, Virginia, to Lester and Ethel Sanders Cochran and completed her education in Hillsville, Virginia.

Fulford made a significant move in 1955, relocating from the Washington D.C. area to Bradenton, a place she would call home for decades. Her love story began with John (J.C.) Fulford, whom she married on August 14, 1954, in Virginia. She enjoyed a successful career as an executive secretary, showcasing her dedication and tenacity in various businesses. Notably, Fulford served on the Bradenton City Council from 1983 to 1991, where she contributed to her community with passion and purpose.

A Life Full of Vibrancy

Mary had a flair for the beautiful things in life, a passion reflected in her love for flowers, dogs, and reading. Her talent as a seamstress earned her “Best in Show” ribbons at both local and state levels, demonstrating her creative prowess. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband J.C., her parents, and several siblings, including brothers Sanders and Wade, and sister-in-law Celeada Cochran.

She is survived by her sister Betty Gallagher from Burlington, NC, alongside three nieces and four nephews, all of whom will miss her dearly, along with her devoted friend Betty Hays.

Funeral Arrangements and Community Support

Fulford’s funeral service is scheduled for June 20, 2025, at the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel at 11:00 AM, with visitation starting at 10:30 AM. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Dalton Hill Cemetery. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is overseeing the arrangements, ensuring that her send-off is as special as her life was.

For readers looking to explore more about Mary Fulford and other local personalities, Manatee County offers a wealth of obituary resources. You can find obituaries from the Bradenton Herald that cover different time frames. Resources include Obits Index, Genealogy Trails, and FamilySearch, among others.

Obituaries serve as windows into the lives of our loved ones, providing essential information about family, residence, and final wishes. They are more than just announcements; they are stories intertwined with the fabric of our community. In fact, whether you’re searching for ancestors or simply looking to know more about local history, the Manatee County Historical Records Library has you covered with logs dating back decades, collecting vital details from local newspapers.

In celebrating the life of Mary Joyce Cochran Fulford, we also reflect on the importance of community support during these tender times. Friends and family alike are encouraged to utilize local resources to commemorate their loved ones and build connections that tie together our shared history in Bradenton.