Born in the Overtown section of Miami on November 29, 1916, Myrtle Mae Bowles Bullard was the second of four children born to Levi and Blooming Bowles of Eluthera, Bahamas. At the young age of 11, her world collapsed. After delivering a stillborn, her mother died, and a year later, her father passed. Despite this great tragedy, family was of the greatest importance to Bullard. Her home was open to all of her family members. She especially loved when her cousins would travel from the Bahamas, and there were always huge family gatherings on major holidays. The love she had for her family was the platform for her career choice, education. fin 1936, Bullard attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College (University) for two years, receiving a teaching certificate, then returned for five summers to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

After completing her Master's degree from Columbia University in New York, Bullard was certified to teach Early Childhood Education. She worked for Dade County Public Schools for more than forty-two years, starting at Bethune Elementary, and at Dorsey Skill Center where she trained teachers in Early Childhood Education. As a teacher, Myrtle discovered early in her career that the Girls Scout Movement was just what her pupils needed to improve themselves. According to a Girl Scout Tropiscope, Myrtle explained, "Girls Scouting provides character-building qualities and extended education and it is FUN for both the young girls and the adult volunteers." A life member of The Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida, she served more than 63 years in scouting, and organized the Ixora Troop, and served as its service unit director in the Liberty City area. This unit serviced the largest number of members, with more than 600 girls participating. Through their experience with Girl Scouts, she could see how the girls were growing in various stages. She would often share that there was an improvement with their ability to communicate and work well with others; they were more disciplined, and displayed a higher level of confidence. The program offered opportunities for new learning skills, displaying talents, traveling and exploring. Bullard served in the capacity of troop leader for all scout levels; was a board member, council delegate, trainer, troop organizer and consultant, registrar and songfest leader. In 1986, she was awarded the United Way's "Beautiful Activist" for her distinguished service as a community volunteer. Bullard was also a life member of the Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority Inc., Alpha Gamma Chapter of Miami, Florida. She served as Basileus, chairperson of the Piette Committee and the Coronation Committee, and was a member of the State Council. Her proudest role was that of chairperson of the Torchlighter Cotillion, a community activity designed to present young women to society.

Bullard believed to be a Torchlighter, one was held to a standard of providing service to the community, self-awareness, and exploring their cultural background. Soror Myrtle Bullard was well known in her sorority nationally and locally for her kind spirit, faithfulness, and was labeled as the "soror with a mile wide smile." Myrtle and Norman Henry Bullard celebrated 50 years of marriage. They were blessed with six children: Norman Jr. (d. 2003), Cherryl Bullard Daniels, Benjamin (d. 1951), Bonita Bullard Ross, Mary Bullard Scott (d. 2005), Sherman Bullard, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. After a lifetime of dedicated service, Myrtle Bullard passed in January, 2004 at the age of 87.