Andrea Michele Bridgeforth

Celebrating the Life of Andrea Michele Bridgeforth
August 7, 1996 – March 31, 2025
With immense love we honor the life and legacy of Andrea Michele Bridgeforth, who departed this world on March 31, 2025. Though she is no longer physically with us, her light, love, and vibrant spirit will forever live in our hearts.
Andrea was an extraordinary soul-kind, driven, and full of life. She had a deep love for learning and an unwavering commitment to her dreams. She graduated Brooke Point High School in Stafford, Virginia, where she earned her Early Childhood Education certification in 2014. She later attended Germanna Community College where she earned her Associates degree in 2019. Passionate about making a difference, Andrea was working toward a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Colorado Tech University until she fell ill with COVID-19 during the pandemic.
Her dedication to helping others extended to her career. Andrea worked at the Rappahannock Area YMCA School-Age Child Care (SACC) program from 2018 to 2021 as a Program Leader, where she truly thrived, finding joy in working with children and shaping young minds. She also demonstrated resilience and adaptability by working at Lowe's Home Improvement in 2020, during the height of the pandemic.
Andrea's commitment to the well-being of others shone brightly when she was recognized as Employee of the Month in June 2021 for her heroism while working in the School-Age Child Care (SACC) program at the YMCA. Using her life-saving CPR and first aid training, she quickly recognized that a child was choking and sprang into action, performing the Heimlich maneuver and preventing a tragedy. Her quick thinking, compassion, and ability to remain calm under pressure exemplified the very best of her character-selfless, courageous, and devoted to protecting those around her.
Andrea was not only ambitious but also deeply creative. She loved everything about the arts-singing, rapping, painting, dancing, creating YouTube channels and TikTok videos, and even playing Wii Sports. She had a talent for poetry and writing her own rhymes, expressing herself with passion and authenticity. Her creativity knew no bounds, and her spirit was one of pure joy and determination.
Andrea also had a deep passion for sports, particularly basketball. She loved the game, whether she was watching, discussing plays, or shooting hoops herself. Her competitive spirit and determination made her a natural athlete, and she found great joy in the camaraderie and excitement of the sport which led her to being named Athletic Team Manager throughout her middle school and high school years. She was also a proud participant in Special Olympics Virginia from 2010 - 2013, competing in wheelchair races with determination and joy, proving that her spirit was truly unstoppable. She was also a member of the Brookepoint National Honor Society, 2012.
Though Andrea's favorite color was purple, she would tell you she loved all colors, a reflection of her bright and open-hearted nature. At the age of 12, when she faced the challenge of being in a wheelchair, she never let that define her-she was fiercely independent and high-spirited. She took on life with confidence, learning to drive, earning her permit, and later proudly obtaining her driver's license.
Her faith in God was the foundation of her life, guiding her through every challenge and triumph. She carried a deep belief in His love and grace, finding comfort and strength in prayer. Her unwavering trust in Him was evident in the way she faced adversity with courage, hope, and an open heart.
Andrea also had a deep love for travel and adventure, especially when it came to amusement parks and family camping-or as she liked to call it, "glamping." She found joy in the simple yet meaningful moments, whether playing board games or cards like UNO and Quiddler, baking with passion and determination, or embracing a challenge with enthusiasm. She believed in dreaming big, and her favorite expression embodied that spirit: "The sky is not the limit; it's just the beginning." Or, as she sometimes put it, "If the sky is the limit, then shoot for the stars."
She is survived by her loving mother, Michele Slaughter-Conteh, and her devoted father, Lamin Conteh. She also leaves behind her cherished siblings: Chanel Slaughter, Kein'Aaitta Conteh, Laneice Bridgeforth, Latoya Coffee, Jahriel Conteh, Alahji Conteh, and Emanuehle Conteh, bonus siblings Diamond Thompson, Shaquan Jones, Mildred Jones, great grandmother Blanche Terry, grandmother Darlene Robinson, paternal grandmother Florence Adama Gbaya and hosts of cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Andrea now joins her father, Andre Edward Bridgeforth, and paternal grandmother Evelyn Delores Bridgeforth, maternal grandfathers Larry B. Robinson (papa), and David Andrew Slaughter, Jr. (Skeets), great grandfathers Wardell Terry and great grandfather David Andrew Slaughter, Sr., and paternal grandfather Samuel Momoh Conteh who preceded her in passing, as they reunite in eternal peace.
Andrea's legacy is one of love, strength, and creativity. While we deeply mourn her absence, we celebrate the incredible life she lived, the joy she shared, and the impact she made on those fortunate enough to know her. She will forever be remembered, guiding us with her grace and unshakable spirit.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Andrea, please visit our floral store. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Andrea Michele Bridgeforth, please visit the Tribute Fund.