Mary Belle Gilford

Mary Belle (Person) Gilford was born on April 30, 1943, in Clayton, Alabama, to the late Elijah Person and Minnie Ola Pruitt. She was the eighth of nine daughters. 

Mary began her education at Rosenwald Elementary and Barbour County Training in Clayton, Alabama. Later, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she attended Cleveland Public Schools and pursued vocational education in nursing and nutrition. She dedicated over 30 years to her career, earning recognition for her exceptional care, service, and management skills both at work and beyond. Mary's passion for learning and her innate gift for caring for others earned her praise from peers, supervisors, and physicians alike.

Mary married her childhood sweetheart, Joe L. Gilford, and together they had seven children. 

In 1974, Mary joined Oak Street Seventh Day Adventist Church in Warren, Ohio, where she answered calls for service with love and dedication. She later became a deaconess at Glenville SDA Church in Cleveland, Ohio in 1975. Then, in 1979, she continued her service at Ephesus SDA Church in Columbus, Ohio, where she held the roles of head deaconess and Health and Temperance Director and Sabbath School teacher at Central SDA Church. In 2002, Mary moved to Huntsville, Alabama, and joined the First Church of SDA, where she was an active member of the Finance Committee and served as Sabbath School Secretary.

She was also a dedicated giver to organizations such as Adventist World Radio, ADRA, UNCF, the American Cancer Society, Kidney Foundations, Children's Hospitals, and numerous others, driven by her compassion to help those in need.

Mary was deeply devoted to studying the Holy Scriptures. As children, we often saw her studying the Word early in the morning before our school day began. She instilled in us a love for worship and was a source of wisdom and counsel. She was known for her straightforward nature, always saying, "I am a straight shooter." Beyond her candor, mom often shared profound insights, such as "What you don't see is more than what you see," reminding us to look beyond the surface. Another of her sayings was, "Time will tell you anything you want to know," reflecting her belief in patience and the unfolding of truth over time. She also imparted wisdom with phrases like "right follows right," emphasizing the importance of integrity and doing what is right consistently. Mom’s deep understanding extended to observations like "night has no eyes," highlighting the unseen dangers of traversing late evenings. Her words continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to have known her. 

Mom was also fiercely protective of her children, always ensuring our safety and well-being with unwavering dedication. Despite her protective nature, she also had a warm sense of humor that lit up our home with laughter. Her jokes and lighthearted moments were cherished memories that balanced out her serious devotion to our family and faith. Mom’s ability to bring joy and security into our lives created a loving and nurturing environment where we felt supported and cherished.

Mary was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. Survived by her children; Predida (Flora), Brenda Davis, Joseph (Maria), Mary Gilford-Robinson, Gregory and Ronald (Lauren), sisters; Emma Person, Marie Streeter, and Dorothy Jackson. Mary cherished her bond with her sister Dorothy, who was not only her sister but also her best friend. She is also survived by her grandchildren Monty Johnson, Keyana Gravely, Pedi, Predeana & Dominic Gilford, Nia and Tyrone Hogan, Joseph Gilford III, Kristofer Murray, Kai & Gregory K. Gilford, Cameron and Kennedy Bryant, Victoria Robinson, Kyle & Myles Gilford, and five great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones.

Mary was preceded in death by her son; Anthony C. Glford, her sisters; Evelyn Crosby, Alberta Winsley, Arilla Key, Maurine Salter, and Minnie Lee Fleming.

We will dearly miss Mary, whose love, wisdom, and laughter touched us all deeply.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 10:00 am-11:00 am at Beacon of Hope Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2900 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH 43232, where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 am.