Beverly Bridgeforth

Beverly Jean Bridgeforth, affectionately known as “Isabelle, Ms. Bev, Bev and Chizza” loving daughter of the late Howard Harry Bridgeforth and Mary Emma Smith, was born on February 21, 1956, in Wilmington, DE. Beverly departed this life on September 18, 2025, in Mullica Hill, NJ after a long, courageous illness. Beverly received her early education in the Wilmington, Delaware Public Schools System. Beverly attended George Grey Elementary, Bancroft Middle and Wilmington High Schools. Shortly thereafter, she attended Manpower Training where she obtained her nursing certification. Beverly then accepted a position with Emily P. Bissell Hospital, formerly located in the Brandywine Springs area. She was often acknowledged by her patients and staff for her compassion, unwavering dedication, integrity and excellent bedside manners. A career change was in store for Bev when she decided to challenge herself even more by enrolling at Goldey-Beacom College and receiving her certificate of Business with honors in 1987. Beverly firmly embraced the challenges of working, schooling and motherhood to her 4 young children while furthering her education. Beverly accepted a position within the State of Delaware Family Court Division as a Judicial Case Processor before receiving many promotions during her 25-year career. Known for her warm heart and kindness towards all, Ms. Bev would often go above and beyond to help everyone, including strangers. She never pre-judged, betrayed or mistreated anyone in that courthouse. Beverly relished the opportunity to lend a helping hand; offer a prayer of comfort or a smile to let you know that everything would be alright. It was simply who she was as a person. In 2021, Beverly retired due in part to her illness, and still made time for family, friends and those in need. She decided to return to work part-time as a substitute teacher and also served briefly as a caregiver. Beverly just enjoyed helping people wholeheartedly, however, family was always the most important thing to her! She absolutely loved her children and especially the grandkids. You couldn’t tell her anything about her boys! She loved each of them equally and would go to the end of the earth for them. Shavonne being her eldest, was her road dog, confidant and partner in crime. They enjoyed traveling, restaurants, long rides and simply hanging…her true protector. Most of all, Beverly enjoyed spoiling and spending time with her grandchildren. She showered each of them with lots of love, laughter, affection and gifts. Bev was a great cook and enjoyed cooking for the holidays and decorating for the various seasons. Bev was an avid Eagles, Phillies and 76ers fan. Beverly refused to let grass grow beneath her feet. She enjoyed traveling via train, shopping with her cousins, birthday parties, listening to music and especially the beach. Bev loved the water, Rehoboth Beach or Ocean City, it didn’t matter to her. But above all, Beverly was a woman of steadfast faith, continuous prayer, and yearning to see the best in others. She was preceded in death by her Father Howard H. Bridgeforth, brother Michael H. Bridgeforth, nephew Otis M. Bridgeforth and sister Marlene Bridgeforth. Beverly leaves to mourn her passing, to cherish her memory and celebrate her life: daughter Shavonne Bridgeforth; sons Corey, Aaron and Andre Bridgeforth; mother Mary E. Smith, grandchildren Michael “Mikey” Brown, Ny’Aira “NY” Bridgeforth, Erin “Doobies” Bridgeforth, and Corey “CJ Bridgeforth Jr.; great grandchildren Trenton Brown, Tristian Brown, Miles Brown, Legend Bridgeforth, Malcolm Brown and Anami Smith; sisters Betty Albury and Cynthia Nock; brothers Charles “Speedy” and Brian Smith; nephews Todd Albury, Arthur “Buster” Nutter, and Erik Dillard; nieces O’Shaye Farrare and Arrion Vice; best friends Elaine Berry, Francine Chapman, Vikki Clark, Donna Dixon, Darlene Gould and Brenda Watson; and a host of cousins and friends

Beverly Bridgeforth

February 21, 1956 - September 18, 2025