Newbern Bridgeforth

Service

Friday, March 6, 2026| Viewing: 11:00 a.m.|Service Time: 12:00 p.m.

Howell Funeral Home Chapel| 10220 Guilford Road| Jessup, Maryland 20794

Interment

Private

Newbern Bridgeforth Obituary

(September 25, 1947 — February 7, 2026)

Newbern Bridgeforth was born on September 25, 1947, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Edward Lee Bridgeforth and Vernice Moore Bridgeforth. He was the third of six children and grew up in the Lamberts Point area of Norfolk, a place that always felt like home and shaped many of the relationships and memories he carried throughout his life.

Newbern attended Booker T. Washington High School during a time when the school system was still segregated. There, he was an active athlete, playing baseball and football. He graduated in 1965 and soon after enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his service, Newbern worked as a civil engineer and was stationed in Nebraska, Okinawa, and at Barksdale Air Force Base. Known for his intelligence and determination, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant—a distinction so impressive that he was required to retake an examination because his score was considered unusually high. He retook it and scored even higher.

While serving at Barksdale Air Force Base, Newbern met his first wife, Elma Carthon. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Newbern returned to Norfolk, Virginia, where Elma and her daughter, Shawn, joined him. Newbern later adopted Shawn, fully embracing fatherhood as a central part of his life. Six years after their marriage, they welcomed their daughter, Nikki, born May 2, 1975.

Newbern enrolled at Norfolk State University while working in a civilian role on the Norfolk Naval Base, holding Top Secret clearance. His work allowed him to travel extensively across the country and internationally. At Norfolk State, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and pursued a Master’s degree, coming just one semester short of completion. During this time, he also served as a student instructor, teaching engineering and mathematics.

Newbern later accepted a position with Westinghouse, where his career flourished. His work took him across the country, and in 1981 he relocated with his family to Houston, Texas, where he advanced into management.

After later relocating to Chicago for continued professional advancement, Newbern’s career continued to grow.

In 1987, Newbern married his second wife, Phyllis McGee, and through their union became a devoted parent to LaTonya and Torrien.

In 1993, Newbern transitioned to Square D, relocating to Maryland. He later settled in Columbia, Maryland, where family became even more central to his daily life once his daughter, Nikki, joined him after his granddaughter Emerol’s birth. He formed an especially close bond with Emerol and became a steady, present father figure in her life — a role he carried with deep pride and love.

While at Square D, he oversaw government contractor accounts and frequently worked directly with the Pentagon. On September 11, 2001, Newbern was scheduled to go to the Pentagon Annex but decided to stop at the Ronald Reagan Building, another one of his contract locations—a decision that ultimately saved his life, a moment his family would always see as Luck living up to his name.

Newbern retired from Square D in 2010 at the age of 63. In retirement, he embraced life fully, working part-time at the Columbia Athletic Club until the COVID-19 pandemic. He devoted himself to family, friendships, and service to others. A natural mentor and lifelong educator,

Newbern volunteered at Wilde Lake Middle School, tutoring students in mathematics, and supported recruitment efforts for Morgan State University, encouraging young Black students to pursue careers in electrical engineering.

He was known as the life of the party—joyful, generous, and deeply invested in the people he loved.

Above all, Newbern’s greatest joy was his family. His children meant everything to him, and his love for his grandchildren was immeasurable. He took pride in guiding, encouraging, and showing up for them in every way he could.

Newbern was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Lee Bridgeforth and Vernice Moore Bridgeforth; his brothers, William Alex Bridgeforth and Edward Lee Bridgeforth, Jr.; and his grandchild, Kyle Thomas.

He is survived by his children: Shawn Renee Smith (Spelman), Nikki Sheree Bridgeforth (Kevin), LaTonya Shavon Fuller (Mark), and Torrien Jermaine McGee; his sisters, Alice Williams, Linda Lomax, and Beverly Robinson (Edward); his beloved grandchildren, Kevin Thomas, Jr., Emerol Johnson (Preston), Xavier Smith, Journey Fuller, Solomon Fuller, Trevon McGee, Caleb McGee, Makenzie McGee, and Makayla McGee; his great-grandchildren, Preston Kyle and Elliott (Emerol); and a host of extended family members, friends, mentees, and loved ones who will forever cherish his legacy.

Newbern Bridgeforth lived a life marked by excellence, service, intellect, and joy. His impact spans generations, and his memory will continue to guide, inspire, and uplift all who were blessed to know him.