Merlene Bridgwater Nelson, 93, joined her Lord and Savior Friday, November 11, 2016, at 2:45 a.m. Merlene was born in Atoka Oklahoma on July 25, 1923. She was preceded in death by her Mother and Father, Estelle and Eldon Riner. Merlene was married to Samuel Roger Bridgwater Jr., for 49 years prior to his death. Later in her life, Merlene was married to Billy Nelson for 10 years prior to his death. She was the valedictorian of her high school class and awarded a scholarship to Draughon’s Business College located in Dallas, Texas. Merlene was a star athlete, once scoring 52 points in a high school basketball game. She coached softball and her girls softball team won the 1st Houston City Championship in 1959. Merlene started playing golf at age 40, and won the women’s club championship in 1965 while living in Crockett, Texas. Her survivors include daughters, Susana Thielen and husband Joe and Pat Bridgwater; sons, Roger Bridgwater, III and wife Mary Ann and William Earl Bridgwater and wife Twyla. Grandchildren, John Shroyer; Mary Shroyer and husband Brad; Jennifer Holm and husband Doug; Johana and Tommy Rodriguez; Brandon Earl Bridgwater and wife Cherise, Kay Altic and husband Jerrell; Jane Borde and husband Ralph and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Merlene was a member of Houston’s First Baptist Church since 1977. A memorial service for Merlene Bridgwater Nelson will be held at Houston’s First Baptist Church Monday, November 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to Merlene’s favorite charity; As Our Own; www.asourown.org , 1717 St. James Place, Suite 220, Houston Texas 77056.
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