Brooke Reynolds Bridges

Brooke Reynolds Bridges passed on to the external world July 13, 2024.

She was born November 29, 1946 in Salisbury, NC to the late Paul Bernhardt Reynolds and Elinor Beckett Reynolds. She was educated in Rowan County Schools, graduated from Boyden High Class of 1965, attended Converse College and graduated from Catawba College in 1969. Brooke began her teaching career in Winston Salem whilst her husband was attending Law School, they moved back to Salisbury in 1973 and raised their family. She substitute taught at Knox Middle and Salisbury High schools, ESL/ESOL/GED taught at Rowan Tech, Stonewall Jackson Training School, and ESL/ESOL and retired from Southeast Middle School. Brooke went above and beyond for all her students, a lifelong learner, always teaching and absorbing new and interesting ideologies. She was a firm believer in education, as all the women in her family had college degrees. It is an asset earned that can never be taken away from you. She loved fiercely and intensely and was one of the kindest/sweetest people you'd ever meet.

Brooke was a member of a couple longstanding book clubs and a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church.

She was extremely proud to be an 11th generation quadruple Mayflower descendent (Howland/Tilley's). She was proud of her Nantucket blood, where passed down oral family sayings: “Hold down the fort” and “suck it up buttercup”. As the wives had to be tough, brave, strong and sharp as the husband sailors were gone for months and months at a time. This strong Nantucket blood helped Brooke fight multiple ailments and adversities throughout life; she was a fighter! Brooke was a sweet and beautiful soul, always there for family, friends, students and anyone in need.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sarah Chancellor Wroe Bridges; brother, Mark Beckett Reynolds; sisters-in-laws: Catherine Bidell Reynolds and Gail Mize Reynolds.

Survivors left to cherish her memories are her brother, Rick Reynolds; daughter, Brooke Beckett Bridges (Tony), nephew: Paul Reynolds, grandchildren (whom were the joys of her life): “Alex”andra (Wesley), Zach and Macy Jaynes, several nephews and multiple cousins. Also surviving her is her lifelong childhood friends whom she adored: Kay, Anne, Susan, Caroline, Libby and so many more.

A Graveside Service will be held at Chestnut Hill Cemetery at a later date.

As Mom always said “You get more flies with honey than with vinegar” do this to honor her. To know Brooke, you loved Brooke. In honor of this kind, sweet, beautiful souls passing from this earth the family kindly, respectfully and honorably requests in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hurley Park (in which her parents helped start) or you plant native to your area flowers, herbs, plants, trees or a garden in your yard, community or church. Photos of this can be shared with the family at tripsleb@gmail.com.