Mary Beatrice Bridgeforth

MARY BEATRICE BRIDGEFORTH, the youngest of seventeen children, was born to the late Frank and Bertha Bowie on May 9, 1934 in Mount Winans, Maryland. She departed this life on March 18, 2006 after a lengthy illness.She was united in marriage to Thomas Elbert Bridgeforth on June 18, 1966. Out of this union two beautiful children were born, Cheryl and Kimberly.Bea, as she was affectionately known, was a graduate of Douglas Senior High School and pursued further courses of study at Cortez Peters Business School, Catonsville Community College and Morgan State University.Bea, who never shied away from hard work, began her career in 1956 with the State of Maryland, Department of Employment Security. In 1964 she obtained her first position with the Social Security Administration, as a Keypunch Operator and progressed in twelve years to supervisory positions within the SS-5 files area and several other departments. In 1979 she was hired by the IRS as a Temporary Clerk Typist. She later worked in Taxpayer Service and then on to supervisory positions in the EPEO and screening Unit, the Closed Files Unit and the Examination Processing Branch. In March 1991, Bea was hired as an Administrative Operations Specialist, Washington District Counsel in Washington D.C. Bea enjoyed this job very much and remained there, happily, until her retirement in March 1995.Bea was a former member of Greater Bethlehem Temple under the leadership of Elder John D. Barnes. She later became a faithful, longstanding member of the First Apostolic Faith Church under the leadership of Bishop Winfield A. Showell and Bishop Franklin C. Showell. Sister Bea served in many capacities and was know for doing things well. She was a member of the Cooperative Usher Board and established the Beautification Committee. Her retirement in 1995 was quickly followed by a position as the Office Administrator for Bishop Cornelius Showell. She served tirelessly until her illness prevented her from further service. Sister Bea was a blessing to the First Apostolic family.Bea had and immense love of beautiful things and interior decorating and design. This was evident in her personal style and within her home and church, especially during the holiday seasons. Her favorite past time involved bargain shopping at various thrift stores, consignment shops and the Scratch and Dent shop in Fells Point Maryland. She was specially anointed for finding the best items and using them to beautify the spaces around her.Beatrice Bridgeforth was a very special and giving woman. The impact of her presence and personality, as gifted by the Holy Spirit, will long be remembered by all who knew her.Bea leaves to mourn a loving husband, Thomas E. Bridgeforth; two beautiful daughters, Cheryl and Kimberly Bridgeforth; three lovely granddaughters, Kennedy Grinage, and Madison and Zoë Betts; one sister, Ernestine B. Jones, who served as a loving and devoted caregiver; two brothers, Robert and Harrison Bowie and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Mary Beatrice Bridgeforth

May 9, 1934 - March 18, 2006