Mrs. Pat Bridges

A Celebration of Life service for Mrs. Pat Bridges, 84, of Henderson, will be held at 2:00pm, on Friday, March 14th at First Methodist Church of Henderson, officiated by Rev. Mike Mayhugh. Family and friends are invited to gather in the Great Hall from 12:30-1:30 to share memories and offer condolences.
Pat possessed an extraordinary gift for uplifting those around her, always recognizing the beauty in all things. She embodied a remarkable talent for recognizing the positive aspects in situations that others overlooked, making everyone she met feel valued and adored. Pat was gifted with an exceptional, angelic voice that resonated deeply with all who had the privilege of hearing her sing, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. She had a unique talent for encouraging and seeing the potential within each person, often illuminating qualities they themselves were unaware of. Her warmth and compassion will be profoundly missed but forever remembered in the lives she touched.
Pat graduated from New London High School as Valedictorian of her class, attended Stephen F. Austin State University where she was a loyal member of the Pine Burr sorority (now Chi Omega), played the oboe and twirled for the Lumberjack Marching Band. After becoming the head Twirl-O-Jack in 1960, Pat revolutionized the dance-twirl style by crafting routines that mirrored the music's moods and rhythms. Her innovative approach gained regional recognition, attracting aspiring Twirl-O-Jacks who sought to master her unique style before auditions. After marrying Jerry Bridges in 1961 and stepping away from performing, she was invited by Jim Hudgins to serve as SFA's "twirlographer," where she continued to choreograph and sponsor for several years. Pat was also a talented vocalist and starred in numerous Cultural Entertainment Series productions at Stephen F. Austin and later joined the Tyler Civic Chorale.
Mrs. Bridges passed away on March 7th in Henderson. She was born on March 5, 1941, in Eldorado, Arkansas to the late Jay Brown and Ora Lea Griffin. Mrs. Bridges lived a life characterized by her strong faith, love for her family and friends. She had a passion to perform, and everlasting dedication to music ministry. She was the owner of The Music Box studio and taught the Yamaha system and had private piano and voice lessons. She began her career teaching music at Montgomery Elementary of Henderson, then West Rusk High School. Director of Music; First United Methodist Church of Henderson and Pollard United Methodist Church of Tyler. Later, she was called to continue sharing her passion for music as the role of Middle School Choir Director at Henderson ISD, where she served hundreds of young lives. Her extraordinary talent and passion for the arts, allowed her to connect deeply with countless lives, creating lasting memories, and friendships.
Pat was also a devoted member of the First Methodist Church of Henderson and sang in the church choir.
In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Griffin, and her sister, Joan Bridges. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Bridges, of Henderson; her son, Jason Bridges, and his wife, Joey; her daughter, Buffie Walton, and her husband, Keith; her brother, Gary Griffin; her brother-in-law, Terry Bridges; her sister-in-law, Mary Massengale; and her sisters-in-law, Zeta Griffin of Bixby, OK, and Linda McKinney of Nacogdoches. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Ashleigh Walton Russell and her husband, Reid, and great-grandson, Riley of Longview; Cal Walton of Henderson; Rachel Elliott and her husband, Tanner, of Carthage; and Ben Bridges of Lindale, along with numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Methodist Church of Henderson, 204 N. Marshall St., Henderson, TX 75652, or to the Pat Bridges Legacy in Music Scholarship Fund.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.