Edith M. Gulley went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 20, 2018.

Edith was born June 3, 1936 to Arthur and Marguerite Barkly, Sr.  She received her education from North High School and The University of Akron.

Edith was an adult Brownie Leader for three years, Girl Scout Leader for five years, Den Leader four years Boy Scout Committee Chairperson fourteen years, Assistant Scout Master one year, Edith assisted in starting Pack 3021, served as Tiger Coach and Den Leader, Key District Training Master’s Degree College of Commissioner Science; and National Camping School.  She also attended Council Training Staff, Webelo Outdoor, Boy Scout Outdoor Team, serving Tri-Fires learning team for Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Vice President of Programming.  She completed her Boy Scout Wood Badge and Cub Scout Wood Badge ticket.  She attended and participated at Philmont Scout Ranch for six years, Council Recognition Dinner, District Training Committee, Outdoor Steering Committee, served Tri-Fires as Day Camp Assistant Program Director and Director of Tri-Fires/Old Portage Day Camp.  Also served District Cub-Scouts and Director for Day Camp six years. Edith also took children from single family homes to camping with the club, giving then an outdoor family experience.  She held fund raisers and obtained donations to help send a scout to the National Jamboree in Korea.  Edith and husband Jerry also took children to Philmout Scout Ranch.

Edith was a member of Wesley Temple AME Zion Church, serving on the Senior Usher Board, Advisors for Junior Ushers, National Council for Youth, Member of the Youth Board, Publicity Board and Children’s Board.  Also served as the past Co-Chair of the Video Ministry, Member of Lay Council Sisterhood, Life Members Council, Committee Chair for Troop 21 and Den Leader; Coach Pack 3021 and 3024, also teaching Arts and Crafts for Vacation Bible School.

Edith served in many Past positions; Past Matron of  Mary Chapter #47,  Secretary, Mother Advisor for Mahalia Jackson Girls Assembly #17, Most Ancient  Matron of El  Zerubbabel Court #5, Heroines of Jericho, Most Ancient Grand Matron for the State of Ohio, Princess Captain of Golgotha Guild #4, Grand Princess Captain for the State of Ohio, Honorary Past Grand Princess Commandress of the International  Cyrene Crusaders, Loyal Lady Ruler of Bezaleeh Assembly#19 Order of the Golden Circle, Member of Al Kaf Court #144 and Vice President of Akron Masonic Temple Association.  Edith taught Arts and Crafts at Urban League, Life Member of the NAACP, Good year All Weather Camping Club, Akron Adventures Camping Club and Midwest Camping Club, and Midwest Coachman (FMCA).  Founding President of Gleaming Lights Good Sam Campers Club, PTA member at Hyre Middle School for 15 years, member of St. Vincent-St. Mary Parent Club, St. Bernard Booster Club, Co-publisher of St. Vincent Elementary Newspaper for one year, Raised money for Cancer Society, MDS, United Negro College Fund and walked for the March of Dimes.  Edith was also a member of the Joyful Seniors Club of Joy Park and Queen Mother of Red Hat Sassies of Akron.

Edith received numerous of awards and honors to name a few; Heroine of the year, Eastern Star of the Year, Mary Chapter for two years, Outstanding Leadership Award, VIP for contributing to Youth both from Zeta Theta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kapper Alpha Sorority, Community Service Award from Ohio Black Republicans, Woman of Year for Volunteer service to the Community Forum, Al Kaf Temple #109. Edith was also honored by Tri-Fires Award of Merit Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor from Great Trail Council Boy Scout of America.  She and her husband also were honored by Tri-Fire as Scouting Couple of the Year.

She is preceded in death by daughter Karin Riles and brothers Arthur, Kenneth and Gene.
She leaves to cherish her memory husband of 47 years Jerry Gulley; daughter Kim Woods of Akron; sons Keith Miller of San Mateo, CA, and (Lisa) Gulley of Lawton, OK; brother Donald (Sandra) of Mesa, AZ; sister-in-Law Marilyn Barkley and special uncle Jesse Barkley; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and a great-great grandchild.  Edith is also survived by special niece Tracy (Fuzz) Smith, special sisters Rev. Loretta Sanders, Mary Kay Cain and Oreatha Colvin, close friend Mary Culver and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.