Jessica Bridgeforth

Jessica Lee Bernard Bridgeforth (Jessie) was born June 4, 1931 in Indianapolis, Ind. She departed this earthly life on June 23, 2020 to be with her Lord Jesus Christ and her late husband, Craymore Bridgeforth.

Jessie was number six of nine children born to the late Rev. Alexander Bernard and Annie L Bernard. She attended Public School #26 and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1948. She also attended Indiana University Indianapolis (later known as IUPUI) majoring in Elementary Education.

She was employed as a record tester for more than 25 years at several Indianapolis RCA Record plants before retiring in 1980.

Jessie married Craymore Bridgeforth on June 3, 1951. They were married over 67 years prior to his passing on March 28, 2019. To this Union was born, Cheryl Lynn and twin daughters, Denise Kay and Donna Lois.

She confessed her hope in Christ at the age of 8 years at the Greater St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, where her father, the late Rev. Alexander Bernard was the founding pastor. She remained a faithful member for over 80 years. She also served as a Sunday School teacher for both youth and integrated adult classes for over 50 years.

For over 40 years, Jessie devoted time and resources to promote Christian Educational programs and bible training classes while serving as Director of Baptist Training Union at Greater St. Mark, President of Capital City Baptist convention, and State/ National Baptist Conventions.

Jessica Lee Bridgeforth departed this life at the age of 89 and 20 days. She is proceeded in death by her husband, Craymore Bridgeforth; father, Rev. Alexander Bernard; her precious mother, Annie L. Bernard; two brothers, Eddie Bernard and Wilbur Bernard; three sisters, Albertine Bernard Taylor, Gladys Bernard Trammel, and Thelma Bernard Willis.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Three daughters; Cheryl Lynn Spain (Dwight), Denise Kay Buchanan, and Donna Lois Tucker-Wells (Vernon); Grandsons;Troy Tucker Jr., Wesley Spain (Shelley), and Alex K’Peahay ( Keiona); Granddaughter; Melanie Bibbs; Great Grandchildren; Robert (Robbie) Spain, Anayia K’Peahay, Payten K’Peahay, and Amari Bibbs. Siblings include Sister; Betty Bernard Bridgeforth (John); Brothers; Robert Bernard ( Judy), and Isaac Bernard( Rose); and a host of other family members and friends.