Mrs. Mary Precious Bridges

A Legacy a heritage: character qualities, memoirs…… Mrs. Mary Precious Bridges Mary Precious Bridges was born in Opelika, Alabama on March 1, 1918, the second of seven daughters of Henry and Ethel St. George. She had a very special bond with her mother and sisters and always enjoyed the time they spent together. She was swept off her feet by John Henry Bridges at a young age and they wed in 1934. They were happily married for more than 55 years, until his death in January 1990. Seven children were born to this union. Mr. and Mrs. Bridges and children moved to Apopka, Florida in 1951 and established themselves as stalwarts of this community. The Bridges family joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Bridges was a deaconess, was in the choir and served on a number of boards and committees to help her church. She was quite a beautiful sight in her pretty hats and suits while sitting in her special place in the sanctuary. “Mrs. Precious”, as she was often called, truly loved the Lord and enjoyed worship and spirituals that touched the soul. Later in life, her home was filled with the sound of gospel music, especially Lee Williams, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, the Canton Spirituals and the Williams Brothers. Her faith was the bedrock of her family, and her prayers kept all her children, grandchildren, great-children and great-great grands. Mrs. Bridges, affectionately called “Mama” by her family, was a homemaker. She was devoted to her family and loved them dearly, each uniquely in their own way. In fact, being “Mama” may have been one of her greatest gifts, as she made each person feel loved and special and she deeply cared about them. She was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother, and raised or was baby-sitter for three generations of children. Mama believed in keeping her house in order and didn’t play the radio. She did not believe in excuses or wallowing in self-pity, often saying “If the dog hadn’t stopped, he would have caught the rabbit!” She had a look that would set you straight when needed, but mostly a sweet spirit that no one wanted to disappoint her. Mama could work miracles in the kitchen, she loved to cook and bake. She also enjoyed quilting. Mostly, she was happiest when surrounded by her family at reunions, parties and get-togethers, and wearing her favorite color – RED! Mama was preceded in death by her husband, John Henry Bridges; her parents Henry and Ethel Lee St. George; son, Henry Louis (Sonny) Bridges; daughters, Geraldine McGraw and Joann Bridges; one grandchild Bruce Bridges. She leaves to cherish her memory four children, Nathaniel Bridges, Mary C. Bridges, Arnell Bridges (Bernice) and Josephine Smith (Ed); one son-in-law, James McGraw; sister, Louise Johnson, Holly Grove, Arkansas; thirty-five (35) grandchildren; fifty-seven (57) great grandchildren; thirty-seven (37) great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and special friends. For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.

Tributes

Mrs. Mary Precious Bridges

March 1, 1918 - April 1, 2015