Gathel Meria Bradford

*In honor of Gathel's love for her church and derby hats, the family encourages ladies to wear their church and derby hats to her service on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Gathel's hats will be available to those who may not have one.*
Gathel Meria Bradford, age 77, of Marysville, Michigan transitioned peacefully on February 19, 2025, on hospice at Regency on the Lake with her loved ones by her side. Born on March 26, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, she was affectionately known as Meria and was the cherished daughter of the late John and Tilda (Lumpford) Jaynes. Meria's vibrant spirit and generous heart left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Meria's life was a testament to love, joy, and family. She was united in marriage to her beloved husband, David Bradford, on August 20, 1983, in Garden City.
She is survived by her husband, David; daughter, Cathy (Mike) Duncan of Goodells; sister, Terrie (John) Schemansky; nieces and nephews, Mike (Cassandra) Galen, Mandy (Neyane) Cummings, Jessica (Nat) Jaynes, Justin Jaynes, Shawn Schemansky, and Rebecca Jaynes; great-niece, Ami Galen; great-nephews, Benjamin Jaynes and D'antrey Cummings; great-great-nephews, Michael and Lucas; and sister-in-law, Cynthia Jaynes; as well as host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Tilda Jaynes; her niece, Jennifer Jaynes; her brothers, Baby Johnny, Billy Ray, and Donald Lee Jaynes; and her grandparents, Elizabeth and Crawford Jaynes, lovingly known as "Mamaw and Papaw."
Meria was a beacon of light, known for her generous and loving nature. She was wise beyond her years, and her advice was sought after by many. Her interests were as vibrant and varied as her personality. An avid collector of cookie jars, she was also famous for her distinctive style, often dressing with a touch of bling and donning big church hats. Meria's flirtatious charm was all in good fun, and her love for family was unparalleled.
Her home was the hub of countless gatherings, where she would cook and host everyone with open arms. Meria's hillbilly breakfasts were legendary, as were her family parties, where she was invariably the life of the party. She loved organizing endless pool parties and fireworks shows, and her elaborate Christmas tree was a sight to behold every year.
Meria's talents extended to making beautiful flower arrangements and giving soothing massages. She took great pride in her flower gardens, which were a reflection of her love for beauty and nature. Her huge jewelry collection was a testament to her love for all things that sparkled, and she enjoyed sharing this passion with her family and friends.
Board games and computer games were among her favorite pastimes, and she cherished the time spent playing with her loved ones. Her home was always filled with laughter and the sound of cards being shuffled, as she believed in the power of these simple joys to bring people together. Meria was a faithful member of Sturges Memorial Congregational Church. In her younger years she was the driving force behind Roosevelt Lanes in Allen Park. She also worked at Duncan's Cash and Carry in Goodells and Takata Manufacturing in Port Huron.
Meria's legacy is one of warmth, generosity, and wisdom. She was a guiding light to her family, and her presence will be deeply missed. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
A gathering and viewing will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Grace Memorial Life Celebration Center, 4521 Ravenswood Road, Kimball, MI 48074. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Memorial with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Dr. G. Patrick Thompson will officiate. Interment will follow at Kinney Cemetery in Clyde Township. A reception will be held in The Lindke Hall at Grace Memorial.
Pallbearers will be Mike Duncan, John Schemansky, Shawn Schemansky, Mike Galen, Neyane Cummings, and Kenneth Cummings.
Memorials are suggested to the Sturges Memorial Congregational Church for the food pantry. Any other cards or condolences maybe be sent to her husband, David Bradford. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gathel, please visit our floral store.