Mary Joyce Cochran Fulford, 88 of Bradenton, FL, passed away on June 11, 2025 at Emcompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Sarasota, FL.
She was born in Wythe County, Virginia on February 26, 1937, the daughter of Lester and Ethel Sanders Cochran. She attended school in Hillsville, Virginia. Mary moved from the Washington D.C. area to Bradenton in 1955. She married John (J.C.) Fulford on August 14, 1954 in Virginia. She had an early career as an executive secretary in several companies and was elected to Bradenton City Council from 1983 to 1991. She had a love for flowers, dogs, and reading. Mary was a seamstress and had won “Best in Show” ribbons at the local level and also at the state level.
In addition to her husband, J.C. and her parents, Lester and Ethel, Mary was also preceded in death by brothers, Sanders and Wade; brother-in-law, Harold Gallagher; and sister-in-law, Celeada Cochran. Survivors include her sister, Betty Gallagher of Burlington, NC; as well as three nieces and four nephews. She is also survived by her dear friend, Betty Hays.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in the Dalton Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10:30 until 11:00 AM prior to the funeral service. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.
