Obituary

Jill Stafford Bulloch

March 12, 1954 - July 5, 2026

Jill Stafford Bulloch, age 72, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday July 5, 2026 after a courageous battle with ALS. She was born on March 12, 1954 at Stafford Clinic in Franklinton. Jill was the fifth of nine children born to parents Gary B. Stafford, Sr. and Josie Bateman Stafford. From a young age, Jill loved to be involved in any activity she could. So much so, that her dad told her once “Jill, you can’t join everything!” Her reply was “Why not, Daddy?” Jill attended the Franklinton Schools from first through ninth grade before transferring to Valley Forge Academy near Amite, LA where she was elected Class President each year she attended, 10th through 12th grade.

Probably her proudest association started at age 11 when her grandmother Georgia asked her to be her helper at her clothing store, Georgia’s Inc., which led to a lifetime of learning about the ladies clothing business and all of the fun experiences of going to clothing markets from New Orleans to Dallas. Jill earned a marketing degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and began a career at the Fashion Shop—one of the few top-line clothing stores in Franklinton. She was known as the ultimate shopping advisor, as everybody wanted Jill to help find the perfect outfit or Christmas gift for their wife or mother.

In 1999, Jill was given the opportunity to start a new career in the school system, working as the in-school suspension teacher at Franklinton High School. She taught during the day and took night classes at SLU to earn an Education degree, allowing her to become a certified teacher. Jill was blessed to be able to teach her favorite subject—World Geography. Throughout the years, she also taught Civics and World History before retiring from FHS after 20 years of dedicated service to her students and faculty members.

Jill was a longtime active member of First Baptist Church of Franklinton, where she was sang in the church choir, taught Sunday School and directed children’s music programs. She had a beautiful singing voice and loved playing the piano. In her later years, she taught Sunday School at Heritage Manor Nursing Home. Every Sunday, she gathered the grateful residents around the piano where she played and sang old hymns and then led them in a Bible lesson. The residents looked forward to seeing her smile every Sunday morning. After teaching the lesson, she would drive out to her beloved home church, Fisher Methodist, and play piano for their church services. Jill was so faithful in her service to the Lord.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, and devoted caregiver of the past two years, Ted Bulloch. Her children Katie Bulloch and Will Bulloch and a grandson Blake R. Bulloch. Siblings and Spouses: Judy Simmons, Joe and Carlene Stafford, Robert and Jana Stafford, Nancy and Leonard Duvic, Kim and Marlon Milton, sister in law Libby Stafford, sister in law and brother in law Sally and A.W. Foy, also numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gary B. Stafford, Sr. and Josie Lee Bateman Stafford, young sister Sue Ellen Stafford, older brother Gary “Sonny” Stafford, Jr., grandparents H.F. “Fel” Stafford and Georgia Alford Stafford, Dupre Jason Bateman and Tena McElveen Bateman and brother in law Reggie Simmons. Also a special uncle, Joe S. McElveen, who taught all the Stafford kids to love his home and farm, which is still cherished and used by the Stafford family today.

Visitation will be at Fisher Methodist Church (currently Grace Heritage Baptist Church) (41607 Hwy. 1056, Franklinton) on Thursday July 9th from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the church at 11:00 am Thursday with Rev. Larry Stafford officiating. Burial will follow in the Fisher Cemetery.