Emily Eleanor (Bradfford) Gulker

Beloved mother and teacher Emily Eleanor Bradfford Gulker passed away April 30, 2025. 

Once upon a time in Portsmouth Ohio a hopeful older mother Dorothy and husband Elmer Bradfford welcomed Emily along with her 31 first cousins. Only child Emily enjoyed Cleveland Ave attending McKinley School and riding her horse Princess. First to graduate Portsmouth High School continueing her education Western College for Women and finishing Ohio State University pledging Delta Gamma. Upon graduation recruited for United Airlines as flight attendant.Landing in southern California her life long teaching story begins teaching at Torrence High School. Arriving back in Portsmouth teaching at Clay high School. Receiving her Master's Degree from Marshall University. Shawnee State University communications instructor as well as Theater Instructor producing many plays musicals and ballets with students and professionals from Portsmouth. All the while working on saving and restoring her mother's childhood neighborhood Bonnefilde. Restoring many of the buildings you see still standing today. From the first Bonnefilde fair to her love of the Portsmouth Charity Horseshow writing for America Saddlebred horse magazine her love of animals was boundless. World traveler to many continents with her camera her artistic expression never waning . As a single mother her love for her daughter was never ending and there bond was like no other. She was loved by many ,she changed and empowered her friends, students and family. From Shawnee State to Ohio University to Nellis Air Force Base teaching was her life always with love kindness and grace. The amount of lives she touched is insurmountable. She is survived by her daughter Marjorie Gulker Dingess beloved son in law Matthew Dingess and her cat Lady Gravy Boat .

Any expressions of love should be made to Sierra Haven.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emily Eleanor (Bradfford) Gulker, please visit our floral store.