Bernadine Gifford

Bernadine Gifford, 75, of Sciotoville, made her transition from this life at home; surrounded by her loving family, Friday April 28, 2023, after a short, unexpected complication in the Ohio State Cancer Hospital. Bernadine is survived by her husband of 57 years, Mike Gifford; three wonderful children: Aroma Luann Gifford, Paul Michael Gifford II, Amy (Kevin) Gifford Miller; one brother: Donald Traylor of Newark; and her grandchildren: Andrew, Courtney, Hailey, Brayden, Kevin Dean, and Daniel Lee. Preceding her in death was a brother: Danny Traylor, mother: Aroma Traylor, and father: Henry Traylor. Her most important role was mother, and she often said, “I am the second mommy of our grandchildren,” as she spoiled and loved them. Bernadine is also recognized by several other kids who know and recognize her as “granny.”

From a teenager, Bernadine dedicated her life to the Lord Jesus Christ, in baptism and spirit. She loved gospel music at church, teaching & training her own children, grandchildren, and others to sing & play music. She supported the Wheelersburg “Living with a Cause” Theater for the past 12 years. Bernadine will be missed as a giving, charitable, born-again Christian, who (for a lifetime) put others before herself; serving others in our community and elsewhere. She loved helping people that were in a crisis, especially children, making sure they had shelter, clothing, and food if they were hungry.

Bernadine’s love of the camera has left an incredible record, as she spent countless hours videoing and snapping photos voluntarily. Bernadine’s pictures captured many events, helping produce the book “Living with a Cause.”  Bernadine’s statement was, “Mike, I will take the pictures and you tell the story.”  Traveling near and far over the USA, honoring programs monthly, including St. Jude’s Childrens’ Hospital, and “Tunnels to Towers” for military heroes in Gold Star families, such as Jonathan Etterling: a local hero, who was celebrated in the yearly Wheelersburg Memorial Day Parade. She was associated with a military driven group (lead by the Andersons/Beckers) called API. In 2015, Bernadine’s efforts were instrumental in securing a local Red Cross award for supporting children & military, through actions such as helping 2 people find donor kidneys, helping the homeless, and buying headstones for individuals who had none. Without her spirit of giving, many would have nothing. We will never forget our beloved Bernadine. 

A Celebration of Bernadine’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 6^th, at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Worship Center in North Moreland.  Interment will be in Memorial Burial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Living with a Cause, PO Box 436, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.

Arrangements are under the direction of the BRANT FUNERAL SERVICE IN SCIOTOVIILLE.