… I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” -John 11:25, 26
Evangelist Bertha Mae Bridgers was born to the late Charlie B. and Rosalie Henderson on January 24, 1940, in Dillion South Carolina. While living with her father in Washington, DC, Evangelist Bridgers met the love of her life Edward Bridgers Sr. When he left for the military, and she returned to South Carolina, her home, they continued to communicate by letters. Edward knew she was the one for him and he proposed to Bertha by U.S. Mail. They were married in South Carolina on September 6, 1956, and four children were born of this union: Patricia, Larry, Edward Jr. and Teresa.
She quietly transitioned from this earthly life on August 31, 2024.
At an appointed time in her life, Bertha was saved under the ministry of Elder Sarah Hill, pastor of St. Matthew’s Pentecostal Holiness Church in Suffolk, VA. Under this ministry she received the foundation she needed to live holy and was transitioned four years later to Jerusalem United Holy Church, Chesapeake, VA, under the pastorate of the late Bishop Hiawatha Pierce, Jr. and late Elder Karl A. West. In 1988, Evangelist Bridgers accepted her “Acknowledgement of God’s Calling” and gave her Initial Sermon on May 22, 1988.
Evangelist Bridgers was a great role model for her children and grandchildren. In her early days, Evangelist Bridgers held numerous supervisory positions in the private sector. In 1988, she attended Tidewater Community College and received her Certificate, Institutional Management in Executive Housekeeping. She went on to get her certification in Advanced Executive Housekeeping at Thomas Nelson Community College and completed a host of other courses relating to Environmental Services.
Evangelist Bridgers served approximately twenty-eight years in the Professional Executive Health Care Environmental Housekeeping area. She was the Director of Environmental Services, Albemarle Hospital, Elizabeth City, NC, and she served as Director of Housekeeping at Triple P-Service Inc, Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA as well as Director of Housekeeping at Triple P-Services, Inc at Tyndall Air Force Base in FL. She served as Director of Environmental Services at Portsmouth General Hospital. She was the Coordinator of Environmental Service at DePaul Medical Center, Norfolk, VA and Supervisor of Environmental Services at Obici Memorial Hospital, Suffolk, VA. Her family was extremely proud of her, and they loved and cherished her very much. She may be gone, but her presence will live on in their hearts and minds forever!
Evangelist Bridgers was predeceased by her husband, Edward Bridgers Sr., son, Larry Bridgers and her grandson, Lawrence Pender; her parents, Charlie B. Henderson and Rosalie Henderson; six sisters, Hattie C. Whitington, Oleatha Bryant, Zelma Warren, Diane Henderson, Mildred Henderson and Lillie Mae Mabry; and her brother, Freddie Henderson.
She leaves to cherish her memories her two daughters, Patricia Gilchriest (Timothy) and Teresa Bridgers and one son, Edward Bridgers Jr. (Renita); grandson, Pastor Jerome Bridgers (Alytrius); two granddaughters, Ciya Bridgers and Ciarra Bridgers; extended grandchildren, Tameko Williams, Danita Williams, Aeisha Roberts, Tahara Williams and Stephen Williams; two brothers, Samuel Henderson and Michael Henderson (Janet); three sisters, Vernell Womack (Jimmie), Rev. Lorraine McGill (George), Ada Mae Henderson, Carolyn Henderson; thirteen great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
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Rev. Dr. Verlie Horton says
September 6, 2024 at 10:11 amRev. Jerome Bridges, I am praying for your strength during your time of grief.
Rev. Dr. Verlie Horton says
September 6, 2024 at 10:12 amRev. Jerome Bridges, I am praying for your strength during your time of grief.
Grace+
Rev. Dr. Verlie Horton
Rev. Lorraine McGill says
September 6, 2024 at 10:59 amMy husband George and myself asking God to grant our family peace and his strength! We love you Pat, Teresa, and Edward Jr! My love ❤️
Your aunt Rev.Lorraine McGill:
Rev. Lorraine NcGill says
September 6, 2024 at 11:01 amMy husband George and myself asking God to grant our family peace and his strength! We love you Pat, Teresa, and Edward Jr! My love ❤️
Your aunt:
Bertha Henderson says
September 6, 2024 at 2:05 pmMy condolences to the family, which is my family. My aunt Bertha was a very special to me. She was my friend. Also my prayer warrior and my second mother she would truly be missed love my family,
Patricia Gilchriest says
September 8, 2024 at 7:53 amMamma, you were my role model, my mentor, my biggest cheerleader, my sister, and my best friend! Thank you for all the wonderful years we spent together and thank you for loving me unconditionally!
They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to help an aging parent. I would like to thank Mamma’s Village, Tim my husband, Teresa my sister, Jr. my brother, Renita my sister-in-law and my two nieces Ciya and Cierra.
Together we made sure that all of Mamma’s personal needs were taken care of. This allowed her to live out her final days, on this earth, in her own home and on her own terms. We showered her with love and affection every day. Mamma was so happy and grateful. She felt blessed and thankful to have a family that loved her so very much. How do I know these things? She told me so each and every day! Mamma, I miss you so much!
Annie L Merritt says
September 9, 2024 at 7:31 pmDear Family,
I am deeply saddened by the news of Aunt Bertha ‘s passing. She was remarkable woman who touched so many lives with her kindness and love. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared with her. Aunt Bertha was an amazing woman. She will be greatly missed.