Judy "Mama Possum" Bridges

Judy “Mama Possum” Bridges, age 80, of Ellenboro, passed away Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center.

Judy was born Friday, September 17, 1943 in Rutherford County to the late Wilburn Gunter and Lenora “Peggy” Powell.  She was a graduate of Chase High School, class of 1961 and a past member of Calvary Baptist Church of Ellenboro. She worked in the delicatessen at Walmart for over 20 years and at the Forest City Elementary School lunchroom for several years. Judy was a “Bright Soul” who loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren. She loved butterflies and was affectionately known by the members of the Ellenboro Fire Department as “Mama Possum.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bridges; stepfather, James Powell; brothers, Tony Gunter and Arnold Goforth and her sister, Susie Melton.

Those left to treasure her memory include her children, Ivan Bridges (Brenda) of Ellenboro, Betty Bridges (Tim) of Forest City and Derek Bridges of Ellenboro; a special nephew, Michael Flynn (Tina) of Ellenboro; sister, Barbara Austin (Mel) of Patterson, NC; grandchildren, Briana Barnes, Emily Barnes, Tiffany Tirella (Matt), Caleb Barnes, Devin England; a special granddaughter, Kyleigh Green; great-grandson, Leo Tirella and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Friday, December 15, 2023 at Bethel Baptist Church in Ellenboro with Reverend Tim Whiteside officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church.