Bertha Lee (Bert) Bridgforth Elliott, 80, passed away on October 5, 2024 after a brief illness. Born in Hopewell on November 18, 1943, she was a lifelong resident of Virginia, most recently living in Williamsburg, VA.
Bert graduated from Hopewell High School and attended the Pan American School in. Richmond. She spent her professional career with over 25 years of service to the federal government, primarily at Ft. Lee, VA and the Social Security Administration. Bert’s passion was her family and church. She was a lifelong member of First Christian Church in Hopewell, VA, where she sang in the choir, led Bible study, and served as a Deaconess.
Family was everything to Bert. She is survived by her husband of nearly 59 years, Clarence “Chief” Elliott, her children Joseph Elliott (Becky Brown), Lee Atkins (Jesse Atkins), and David Elliott (Mark Podrazik), and the loves of her life, her grandsons Dylan and Wyatt Atkins. She is also survived by her dear sister, Susie Pearce, who she would talk with on the phone for hours. She will also be greatly missed by her closest friends, Gloria and Mickey Thompson. Bert was predeceased by her parents, George (Howard) Bridgforth and Gertrude. (Trudy) Bridgforth Crockett.
Known by all in her community of friends as a kind, loving, and generous person, she was also quick to laugh and make others laugh. In her retirement years, she enjoyed gardening, traveling, spending time with her grandsons, and playing games with her new friends in Williamsburg.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bert’s honor to the First Christian Church of Hopewell.
