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Delite Bridges Cruit, 76, Gadsden, passed away Monday, Sept. 10, 2018.
Delite was born on April 21, 1942, in Gadsden, to parents Happy and Ruth Bridges. She went to Auburn University in 1960 and transferred to UAB, graduating with her associate's degree in nursing in 1963. She would later go to Samford University, where she received her bachelor's degree in nursing in 1984.
She began working at Baptist Memorial Hospital, now Gadsden Regional Medical Center, on Jan. 1, 1963, and would remain there until her retirement on Nov. 1, 2008. While she served in many positions during her tenure, she was instrumental in starting the Critical Care Units. The first unit consisted of 3-4 beds on the 4th floor of the hospital. During her leadership, there were eventually 3 critical-care units, CCU, ICU, and SICU.
Delite mentored hundreds of nurses during her tenure at the hospital.
No matter what title she carried, her main goal was always excellent patient care.
Delite was a loving wife, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her sister, Joy Bridges (Bill) Pevsner, Gadsden; her nieces, Stephanie Taylor (Rob) Bowley , Gadsden, and Ellen Elizabeth Bridges, New York, New York; her great nieces, Taylor, Rachael, and Cameron Bowley; great nephew, Robby Bowley, all of Gadsden; and her aunt, Grace Temple, Decatur. Special friends, Marian Ayers, Mona Dempsey, Cathy Bottoms, and Janie Goodwin. Her special fur friends, Patches and Adam.
She is preceded in death by her late husband, best friend and soulmate of 38 years, Dr. Robert L. Cruit. Her brother, John Harold "Johnny" Bridges Jr., and her parents John Harold "Happy" Bridges Sr. and Alma Ruth Bridges.
Pallbearers will be Tony Armstrong, Brett Lavender, Oakley Patterson, Sidney Patterson, William McKinney, and Robby Bowley.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Adrian Chandler, Dr. Edward Thompson, Mike Armstrong, and Dr. Bryan McGwier.
Visitation will be at Collier Butler Funeral Home from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, with a graveside service following at 2:30 p.m. at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery. The Rev. Michael Goldsmith of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection will officiate.
Collier-Butler is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Delite Cruit was one of the most dedicated nurses I have ever met. I worked 10 years on the same floor as Nursing Administration and I saw many an interviewee exit her office in tears. Not a criticism! She was determined that the patients under her care would be served by the most proficient and best nurses around. She was funny, over the top, professional and truly a delightful person. There are many people in Gadsden walking around today because of this woman! My love and prayers to her family! No can take her place.
Paula Davis Parton
September 13, 2018
So sorry to hear of Delites passing. She was an inspiration to me early in my nursing career giving me the opportunity to work in the first critical care unit at BMH.
Sharron Barrett
September 13, 2018
truly a great lady will be missed. heaven has gained another nurse angel.
September 13, 2018
Delight was a very nice person, I met her at Gadsden High, she was always kind. My prayers go out to her family and friend. Rest in Peace.
Barbar Scruggs/Slayton
September 13, 2018
Heaven gained an Angel!
Melissa Gray
September 12, 2018
Delite was an outstanding nurse and she will be greatly missed. I worked with her at the hospital and I had the utmost respect for her. She is one of a kind and she cared so much for her family and friends.
Greg Dial
September 12, 2018
Sorry to hear about Delite passing . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time .
Larry Busby
September 12, 2018
Joy I am so sorry for your loss, I know this is a tremendous loss for you. I worked under her supervision in CCU 5 yrs. She ran a tight ship, patient care was her priority and it better be yours. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. Ann Sheffield Warr
Ann Sheffield-Warr
September 12, 2018
Condolences To the Cruit family and Joe Bridges. I am so sorry to hear of Delite's passing - I remember all the fun days in junior high in East Gadsden. Bless all of you. Evelyn Keith Mattar
Evelyn Mattar
September 12, 2018
Love and prayers, Joy, Stephanie, Ellen and Family.
Peggy. Evans McGuffey
September 12, 2018
A lifetime friend with a heart of gold. God bless her sweet, giving heart and love for her friends and family. Dede was a strong, intelligent woman who always put others first. So many happy memories with the entire Bridges family. Bless you my precious friend. You are happy today. I love you.
Brenda Smith
September 12, 2018
Delite was truly an inspiration to nurses at Baptist Memorial Hospital/Gadsden Regional Medical Center. It was an honor to have worked with her. Lisa Ellis ('75 to '99 at BMH/GRMC)
September 12, 2018
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Funeral services provided by:
Collier-Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Services824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901
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