MARY HENRIETTA REED BRIDGES

Mary Henrietta Reed Bridges was born to Charles & Gertrude Reed on Sep 23, 1916 in Monticello, Fl. She was the second of six children and the last surviving child of their union. Mary was thrust into the role as caregiver at an early age, an attribute she would display all the remaining years of her life. As a young woman, she did not follow in the traditional footsteps of the women of her day. After high school graduation, she attended Florida State College for Women (now FSU) graduating in 1939 with a Bachelor in Science Home Economics. She entered the workforce during the great depression as the storm clouds of war were appearing over the horizon. She worked as a home health demonstrator for Calhoun County from 1939 - 1944. During her tenure she roamed the countryside teaching the local women canning & mattress making techniques. On Sundays her talents as an accomplished pianist & singer were sought after by the many churches in the area. As WWII was drawing to an end she departed for Washington, D.C. to join her husband and start a family. She re-entered the workforce upon the family's return to Fl as an elementary school teacher in Bay County from 1949 - 1981. Mary continued her education during the summer breaks obtaining her Masters of Science in 1952 & Advanced Masters in Education in 1956. Over the next few decades she was an active member of several local community churches, and a den mother in addition to her role as a teacher. The influence she has had over the young minds she had the privilege of teaching is immeasurable. After retiring from teaching she continued reaching out to her community as a volunteer at local schools in Port St. Joe & delivering meals to the sick & infirm. She left this world on Mothers Day 2010 surrounded by her family at her home leaving behind two daughters, Mary Barrett and Trudie Downs; her son, Joseph Bridges in addition to six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 12 noon - 1 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boy Scouts of America or Jefferson County 4H, 275 N. Mulberry Street, Monticello, FL32344.

Wilson Funeral Home