Loretta Cummings

Loretta Cummings, 71, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, while convalescing at Cambridge Manor in Fairfield, Connecticut. Loretta entered this world on January 11, 1954, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to the late Minnie Lou and Walter Taylor.
Loretta was born and raised in Bridgeport and remained a lifelong resident of the city she loved. She attended Central High School and was a dedicated employee of Bridgeport Jai Alai for more than 20 years until its closure in 1995. She later continued her career at Food Emporium and the Connecticut Post, where she was widely known for her strong work ethic and reliability.
Loretta had a wicked sense of humor and was fondly remembered for her favorite sayings, "as quiet as it's kept" and "bet, that'll work." She took great pleasure in shopping and was generous with her purchases. She also enjoyed cooking, solving puzzles, and spending meaningful time with family and friends. A natural giver, Loretta shared a special connection with children and was generous with her time, her advice, her love, and her hospitality.
A devoted member of St. Luke's Free Will Baptist Church for more than 40 years, Loretta served graciously on the Hospitality Committee and volunteered at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission Food Pantry. She was often found relaxing on her front stoop, warmly greeting neighbors and passersby. Faithful, compassionate, and steadfast, she lived a life committed to the teachings of the Bible.
Loretta leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Walter Taylor, and his wife, Emily, of Upper Marlborough, Maryland; nieces and nephews: Hope Taylor-Williams and her husband, Evan, and Candice Beckford-Wells and her husband, Jason, all of Stratford, Connecticut; Dr. Tammy Hanna of North Haven, Connecticut; Jacqueline Grady of Bridgeport, Connecticut; Charles Grady, Jr. of Pinellas Park, Florida; Pamela Dickerson and Charles K. Dickerson of Adairville, Kentucky; Montcrief Dickerson and his wife, Charmaine, of Norfolk, Virginia; Malcolm Taylor and his wife, Julie, of Hamden, Maryland; her goddaughter, LaKenya McClain; and her godson, Albert Lee. She is also survived by a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, a myriad of cherished friends, and her beloved feline companion, Bonnett.
Loretta was predeceased by her brother, Charles Grady, Sr.; her sisters, Betty Taylor, Harriett Wallace, and Donel Beckford; and her companion, Bernard Miller.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke's Free Will Baptist Church, 1365 Stratford Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06607.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Loretta may be made to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, 725 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604.