Maria Lanette Bridgeforth was born November 11, 1982, in Athens, Alabama, to the late Milton W. Bridgeforth and Pearlie Jackson Bridgeforth.

She is a 2001 graduate of Tanner High School and received both her bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She was employed with Children's Hospital of Alabama for more than 15 years. Maria was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Maria departed this life April 25, 2020 in Pelham, Alabama, surrounded by family. She is survived by her children, Ariana Smith and Gabrielle Burroughs; her mother, Pearl Bridgeforth; step-grandmother, Willie Bridgeforth; sisters, Jackie Lacy (Ira), Veronica Bridgeforth and Millicent Langford; nephews, Zackary Lacy, Andrew Lacy and Koltyn Langford; nieces, Allison Lacy and Joi Bridgeforth; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, classmates, Sorors and co-workers.

In lieu of flowers, tributes can be made to Maria's Girls Memorial Fund at Redstone Federal Credit Union (any branch) or Children's of Alabama (www.childrensal.org) Pediatric Cancer Research in memory of Maria Bridgeforth/Performance Improvement Department.

In compliance with COVID-19 guidelines, please respect us as we have a private service for Ms. Maria Bridgeforth. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and messages during this difficult time for our family.

Public viewing will be held from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2020, at the Royal Funeral Home-Mason Chapel, Athens, Alabama.