of Little Rock, AR

July 26, 2023

Shirley Ann Bridges, age 88, passed into the presence of her Lord on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. She concluded her life in peace, and we are sure she heard 'well done, good and faithful servant' as she entered Heaven. Shirley was born in Bodcaw, Arkansas to Chester and Syrena Whitten.

They raised cattle and farmed. Shirley enjoyed her childhood on the farm with her older brother, Terry, and two younger sisters, Lynda and Carolyn. They helped with chores, walked to school, and went to church. Shirley loved playing basketball for her high school- even though she was short, she was quick and spunky. Upon high school graduation, she was accepted to 'secretarial school' in Little Rock and moved to the city. She worked as a nanny while she went to school and traveled everywhere by bus. After graduation, Shirley began work at the Arkansas Highway Department in Personnel. She later moved to Roadway Design and stayed until she retired.

She loved her work and the people. Shirley enjoyed roller skating with friends and met Hollis Bain there. They married and had one daughter, Angela Marie. She later married Tom Bridges, who preceded her in death. Anyone who met Shirley quickly learned that she loved the Lord and she loved her family. She was quick to smile, especially when sharing stories about Angela and Tim (her son in law) or her grandchildren, Victoria, Lydia, and Luke Childress. Shirley was at every event and birthday celebrations and loved playing Chinese checkers, Legos, go fish, and beanie babies with them.

She was also an avid reader and loved to study God's word. Shirley was an active member of Maumelle's First Baptist and served on their hospitality team. She enjoyed cooking and always had her special sweet breads ready to share with others. Her daughter, Angela Childress (husband Tim), and grandchildren, Victoria Childress, Lydia Childress, Luke Childress (wife Savannah) will greatly miss 'mama' and the love she brought into each of their lives; her sister, Carolyn, her nephews, nieces and many friends will also miss Shirley's kindness and love.
A special thanks to House Of Three, especially her dear friend and caregiver, Jennifer Steuber, as well as the caregivers from Gentiva Hospice.

Shirley's life will be celebrated Tuesday, August 1, at 1:00 pm at Maumelle's First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to First Baptist Church of Maumelle, Arkansas or Stoa Christian Home school Speech and Debate (stoausa.org) in honor of Shirley Bridges.

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