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Jean Bridger Obituary
March 28, 1947 - August 16, 2022
Wilmington, North Carolina - Jean Eleanor Hitchcock Bridger, 75, died peacefully August 16th in Wilmington, NC.
Mrs. Bridger was born on March 28, 1947 in Jacksonville, FL to Paul Revere and Daisy Ryan Hitchcock. She was baptized on Palm Sunday of 1963 at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC where she sang in the church choir and played handbells. She graduated from RJ Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, NC where she played basketball. She graduated from Lees-McRae College in Banner-Elk, NC, and UNC-Greensboro where she received a B.S. in Physical Education. Prior to moving to Wilmington, she worked for the Dean at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. She was in charge of hourly hiring at the Nuclear Division of General Electric in Wilmington. Jean was recognized by the Outstanding Young Women of America organization in 1979. She and her husband George Richard Bridger, originally from Bladenboro, NC, founded Bridger Drilling Enterprises in 1983 where she was Secretary/Treasurer until 2020.
Jean was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who adored her family. Known for the loving way she served others in her home, neighborhood and community, she particularly enjoyed hands-on volunteer projects in support of the Wilmington Sertoma Club which sponsors the annual Child Development Center Christmas party. Jean was a longtime member of the St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church. Jean enjoyed serving on the Kitchen Committee. She frequently opened her home to friends by hosting oyster roasts, engagement and Christmas parties. Her hallmark joyous, melodic laughter was a delightful sound to everyone who knew her. She enjoyed shag dancing to beach music with her soulmate George, and traveling the world, often on the back of their motorcycle.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years George; her son George Ryan Bridger and daughter-in-law Amy Royster Bridger of West Palm Beach, FL and their children Annabel Elizabeth Bridger and George Ryan Bridger, Jr.; her daughter Meredith Bridger Gibson and son-in-law William Sidney Gibson, Jr. of Raleigh, NC and their children William Sidney Gibson, III and Olivia Ryan Gibson; her sister Beth Arrington of State College, PA; twin sister Jenny Hitchcock of Greensboro, NC; sister Judy (Ed) Branson of Chapel Hill, NC; brother-in-law Frank (Lynda) Bridger of Raleigh, NC; sister-in-law Dorothy (Irv) Freedland of Wrightsville Beach, NC; brother-in-law Quentin Bridger of Kure Beach, NC; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 3pm Friday, Aug. 26 at Pine Crest Cemetery in Bladenboro. A memorial service will be held at 11am Saturday, Aug. 27 at St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church in Wilmington followed by a reception at the church.
Donations may be made to St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church in her memory. Flowers may be sent to Andrews Mortuary. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the caregivers at Novant Health Zimmer Cancer Institute.
Share online condolences with the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jean Bridger
Sponsored by Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington.
Elizabeth Gibson
May 12, 2023
Jean was my son’s mother-in-law and she was the best he could have ever had. I think of her often and miss her at family functions with her personality plus. Jean was a very fine lady. ❤
Debra and Sidney Gibson
September 1, 2022
Jean was quite simply one of the best. She was so loved and will be greatly missed. We are very lucky to have known her. ❤
Karen Varnam Harris
August 30, 2022
I just learned of Jean's passing...my sincere condolences to all...Im so sorry, will keep you all in my prayers.
BRUCE DILWORTH
August 27, 2022
A lovely lady inside and out. Welcoming to all. Jean would be the person you would want to find in a crowd when you felt out of place. So thankful to have spent time in her presence over the years. Thoughts and prayers to George, Meredith, Ryan and her grand babies.
Kay and Nate McHenry
August 26, 2022
George and family, we are heartbroken to learn of your loss. We have so many fond memories of you and Jean at Camp Sertoma. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Much love to all!
Richard Lockwood
August 26, 2022
Our families - Bridgers, Hollingsworths and Lockwoods watched our sons and daughters grow up and our memories of Jean will always be a wonderful part of our time together. She will be missed by an entire generation! Our thoughts and prayers are with you today. The Lockwood's - Richard, Dale, Drew and David.
Clark & Andrea Wilson
August 26, 2022
So honored to have known Jean. We were always so inspired by her grace and steady nature. Her love for and committment to her family was beautiful. She will be missed by so many.
Dennis Frisbee
August 25, 2022
George, I just learned of your loss today. I am so very sorry. God bless you and your family now in this time of grief and always. Respectfully, Dennis Frisbee
Beth Fortunato
August 25, 2022
Jean was the sweetest! I knew her from Wilmington Sertoma Club. She was so kind and gracious and always had that big beautiful smile on her face!! Our prayers are for George and their family to always cherish the memories of their special angel!
JENNIFER STEWART
August 25, 2022
Jean will be remembered in all of our thoughts and prayers, she was truly a beautiful classy lady that loved her family with all her heart.
Wanda Thompson
August 24, 2022
I enjoyed the years I worked with Jean in human resources at GE, and I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. Jean started each day sharing her big smile with everyone, and her hearty laughter was her trademark. Wishing peace, comfort, and courage to George and the family at this time of great sorrow. May the light of God's presence be a continual source of consolation as you mourn her loss.
Ernie & Nida Langston
August 23, 2022
She was a sweet neighbor for many years with a beautiful smile! Our prayers for all the family for peace & comfort from our Lord.
Mike Hammill
August 23, 2022
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Jean
Was a Sweetheart! Wonderful Memories Of All Of Us Together on Kure Beach. God Bless
Casey and Eric Burns
August 23, 2022
We've all seen hundreds of thousands of smiles in our lifetime, and Jean's smile was up there with the very best. She had an electric and beautiful presence and when she smiled it made others smile. I'll never forget it. Love to you George and the family, our hearts are mourning with you...
Jan Tabor (Firehouse Subs)
August 23, 2022
George...so sorry for your loss. Jean was a wonderful woman whom I enjoyed getting to know. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Kay Hammill
August 23, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. God Bless!❤
Elizabeth Kelly Garvey
August 22, 2022
George and family, my deepest sympathy for you in your loss. I enjoyed seeing you both at the Class Reunion. My thoughts and prayers are with you and of you. God Bless !
Ben Talbert
August 22, 2022
The Talbert family is mourning with you. Love you all.
Becky & Jerry Johnson
August 22, 2022
To all the family. Our prayers are with you in your time of loss. Jean was so wonderful to everyone and so beautiful in so many ways. We will always cherish the many memories.
Hole Products
August 22, 2022
We here at Hole Products are deeply saddened to hear of Jean's passing. There are no words to express our heartfelt sympathy to George and the family. Prayers for comfort and peace during this sorrowful time, but also there is joy to know that she is in the arms of our Lord and Savior.
Sarah Booth
August 22, 2022
I knew Jean from our association at GE. She was always a delight to work with. So wonderful to know that she was a Christian, that one day we shall meet in eternity.
VAL & MARY BOUDREAU
August 21, 2022
Jean was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.
Jean was quiet and frequently in the background preparing meals.
She was the epitome of a GREAT hostess!
She and George worked as a team in all that they did.
She had the best Hurricane parties, dinner parties and oyster roasts accompanied by her famous corn bread.
She made everyone who came feel welcome.
Jean was a dear friend and neighbor.
We will greatly miss our dear Jean with her great smile and warm heart.
Love ,
Val and Mary
Joanna Puritz
August 21, 2022
My your wonderful memories sustain you through this time.
Ben Spradley
August 21, 2022
George
So very sorry for your loss. She was a great lady. Hope time will help you heal.
David Burch
August 20, 2022
It was my pleasure to meet Jean and George in October of 2016, after being referred to them by their long time friends Bill and Lillian Talbert. When I first met them I became very aware that they adored each other so much. They were one of those couples that you could simply smile and say, "Wow they truly love each other so much".....you could just see and feel it when you were with them. I'm so sad for George, Ryan, and Meredith, their Families and all that knew Jean. She was a special woman that had a special man who loved her so so much! Rest in peace Jean....you are loved!
Patsi Callihan
August 20, 2022
George praying for you and your family during this sad time. Jean was a beautiful lady and I know you are going to miss her. I’m so sorry.
Linda Calhoun
August 20, 2022
Lessons Learned From Jean
Make every event special.
Make everyone feel special.
Laughter and love sustain youwhat a laugh she had!
Dress for the occasion.
Be graceful, gracious, and grateful.
Family is your priority.
God blesses us with family and friends.
Backyards can be works of art.
Collards can be vegetarianafter you remove the ham.
Sandy Boyd
August 20, 2022
Another beautiful angel has gotten her wings!
Beth Williamson
August 20, 2022
A beautiful lady! We are so sorry to hear! Love to George & the family.
Mary Ann Blackburn
August 20, 2022
Deepest condolences and sympathy to Jean's family and friends. I worked with Jean at GE and will always remember her dedication and the special times we had during those years.
Elaine Powell
August 19, 2022
My sincere sympathy to Jean's family. She was such a nice lady and always had a beautiful smile on her face. I will miss seeing her at future Bridger Family Association events.
Hiram Callihan
August 19, 2022
George and family....Sorry to hear of Jean's passing. It was great seeing you both at the recent class reunion. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy and Jim Benson
August 19, 2022
Jean was a wonderful hostess and set a beautiful table for the annual oyster roast...a highlight of the year for The Venture Class. She cooked the best greens on those occasions! In my memory she will be forever laughing and showing hospitality with a "Come on in!" welcome and a loving smile. She knew how to lift spirits and helped friends strengthen friendships. We will miss her greatly and mourn your family's loss. We were fortunate to have small moments together over the years.
Bonnie Bridger Mittelmaier
August 19, 2022
Lighting a forever candle for a most beautiful and kind lady I was blessed to know. May choirs of angels sing her to her eternal rest and may she stand in perpetual light always, saving a place for George and those beloved family members she loved and cared for so much. Her life and memory will be cherished forever. Prayers for peace and comfort for George and all of the family during this time of sorrow and loss. Love,
Bonnie Bridger Mittelmaier
Gordon & "Pete" Hester
August 19, 2022
George, our thoughts and prayers are with you and and your family at this time.
"Pete" & Gordon Hester
Billie Faye and Jimmy Lewis
August 19, 2022
Thinking of you at this sad time. We are so glad to have seen her at the reunion. She was radiant and seemed to be feeling great. You are in our prayers.
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
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