Edith S. Bridges

Born in Bankston, AL on October 17, 1923, she was the youngest of ten children born to Dessie and Howell Johnston Smith. She graduated from Hubbertville High School in Fayette County Alabama as salutatorian of her class. In 1942 she left Alabama and moved to Belle Glade, FL where she worked as a Telephone Operator for Southern Bell. There she met her husband, Henry, who served in the Army Air Force during World War II. They were married in 1945 and raised their famiy in Belle Glade. She was a stay at home Mom of her three daughters until 1967 when she returned to work, first at Glades General Hospital and then at Belle Glade Jr. High where she held positions as guidance secretary/bookkeeper. She then worked at Glades Central High School as a data processor and secretary before becoming the Executive Secretary to the Principal at Glades Central High School. She retired in 1989 and then In 1990 she sold her home and moved to Winter Haven, FL.

She was an active member of the Lake Shipp First Baptist Church in Winter Haven where she enjoyed fellowship with her Sunday School Class. She previously served on her HOA Board of Directors. She enjoyed traveling throughout the US, Europe and Canada but mostly loved being with her family. She will be remembered for her loving and caring ways, great wit and sense of humor, devotion to the church and her sharp mind.

She is survived by her three daugthers, Cherry Delaune (Jim Delaune deceased) of The Woodlands, TX, Kathy Hayes (Richard Hayes) of Eagle Lake,FL and Jackie Redding (Jack Redding deceased) of St. Augustine, FL.; grandchildren Mike Delaune (Heidi Delaune) of The Woodlands, TX , Tiffany Phillips (Aaron Phillips) and Tyler Hayes of Winter Haven, FL; great grandsons Kellen Phillips and Keaton Phillips of Winter Haven, FL and great granddaughter Jamie Delaune of The Woodlands, TX. She was predeceased by her husband Henry Bridges.

The funeral service will be held on June 12, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, 2198 K-Ville Ave. Auburndale, FL 33823. Visitation will occur prior to the service at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home. A private family interment will follow at Port Mayaca Cemetery in Canal Point, FL.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Lake Shipp Baptist Church, 92 High St. Winter Haven, FL 33880 or Compassionate Care Hospice, 2525 Drane Field Road, Suite 4, Lakeland, FL 33811.