"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."
---- Scottish poet Thomas Campbell
It's impossible to know when our friendship took root, for I have known Jill Stafford Bulloch most all my life. The last time I saw her, in 2024, I knew something was amiss. And so did Jill, but she didn't yet have a diagnosis. I was in the Washington Parish Library delving into materials for my husband's application for the Sons of the American Revolution when she appeared at my table. There, Jill confided, we commiserated, and later the two of us texted, as she made a medical plan. I consulted my daughter, and I was shattered.
But I was overjoyed to learn that Jill was taking a trip with Senior Adults to Niagara Falls. Organized by her friend Marsha Newman, she was very excited to travel with her sister Judy Stafford Simmons. With fond recollection of my childhood journey to Niagara Falls with my parents, I was delighted for the sisters, continuing to make memories together. Jill explained, "I felt this was something she and I both needed to do!!"
Sort of like I felt this tribute to her - an extraordinary lady - was something I needed to do.
Born in March of 1954 at Stafford Clinic in Franklinton to parents Gary B. Stafford, Sr., and Josie Lee Bateman Stafford, Jill was born into a large family. Her siblings were Gary "Sonny" Stafford, Jr., (Libby); Judy Stafford Simmons (Reggie Simmons); Joe Stafford (Carlene); Robert Stafford (Jana); Nancy Stafford Duvic (Leonard); Kim Stafford Milton (Marlon); and Sue Ellen Stafford. Jill attended school in Franklinton from the first through ninth grade before matriculating to Valley Forge Academy in Amite. It was there that Jill, admired and respected by her peers, was elected Class President for three consecutive years, in tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades. An early testament to Jill's character and spirit, something she had in spades. It was my understanding that she knew no limit when it came to participation and contribution, giving everything her all.
Jill found her professional calling early on when her beloved grandmother Georgia Alford Stafford, wife of H.F. "Fel" Stafford, requested her help at her well-known ladies' boutique, Georgia's Inc. And with this valuable experience came an education in ladies clothing and attendance at markets from Dallas to New Orleans. Jill had what my mother called an eye for style.
After earning a degree in marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University, Jill began work at the Fashion Shop, another top-of-the-line boutique in Franklinton. It is there that I remember her, pulling the perfect dress for my mother. Jill had a knack for knowing each lady's style. And it didn't hurt that she knew everyone in town, and everyone knew her. Jill's career in fashion was a natural fit.
And then in 1999, she switched gears, making a shift to the school system where she became the in-school suspension teacher at Franklinton High School. All the while, Jill was diligently taking night classes at SLU where she earned a degree in Education, becoming a certified teacher. She taught World Geography, which was her favorite subject, and also Civics and World History at FHS where she made a remarkable difference in the lives of a multitude of students. Twenty years of dedicated service as an excellent educator.
Thereafter, I had the good fortune to reconnect with Jill at The Chiffarobe on Cleveland Street where, once again fashion forward, she was working part-time. I wasn't at all surprised. Jill recommended the perfect raincoat for me, and I was tickled pink. Maybe that's what made her successful in retail - Jill knew exactly what the customer needed.
But the needs she filled ranged far beyond the realm of fashion. Jill made it her priority to minister to the spiritual needs of many in our community. A devoted member of First Baptist Church in Franklinton, she taught Sunday School, directed the children's music programs, and sang in the choir. But Jill's contribution didn't end there. With a beautiful voice and talent on the piano, she played and sang old hymns - I'm thinking "It Is Well With My Soul" and "The Old Rugged Cross" - for the residents at Heritage Manor of Franklinton where she taught Sunday School and Bible lessons. Like clockwork, every Sunday morning. From there, Jill proceeded to Fisher Methodist, her home church, where she played piano for their services. In her own words, she placed "my total trust in the good Lord."
As we all know, it's always later than we think. Jill peacefully passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, after waging a courageous battle with ALS.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, she left to treasure her memory her loving husband of fifty-one years, Ted Bulloch; daughter Katie Bulloch; son Will Bulloch; and a grandson Blake R. Bulloch.
In addition to her siblings, Jill was also survived by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sally and A.W. Foy and a passel of nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition, she left behind a world of friends.
Small acts of kindness and love were Jill's forte. We were blessed to have known her. I still envision her at First Baptist Church and the Fashion Shop.
Jill wrote to me two years ago, "P.S. your recent articles in Era have been exceptional…keep it up, young'un!!!!" This one is for Jill.
