Geraldine Bridges

Geraldine (Jerry) Bridges, age 92, died on July 10, 2021, at Amberwood Nursing Home in Benton, Arkansas. She was born in Smackover, Arkansas. to Della Jane (Crenshaw) and Walter Willmon, and was the youngest of four children. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Marion Noyes and Eloise Smith; and her brother, Paul Willmon.

Jerry is survived by her devoted husband of 71 years, Terrell (T.J.) Bridges; and her daughter and son-in-law, Janie and Richard Calhoun. She also leaves behind granddaughter Carly Grace (Ryan); grandson, Whit Calhoun (Lauren), from Fayetteville, Arkansas; and granddaughter Meredith Woodruff (Reece), from Lewisville, Texas. Her nine great-grandchildren: Gilbert, Gibson, Georgia, and Griffin Grace, Piper and Sutton Calhoun, and Elanor, Owen, and Lucy Woodruff who were always a marvel to her, since she herself only had one child.

Jerry was orphaned at two years of age and would live separately from her siblings from then on. She contracted the Polio virus at age nine, requiring a yearlong hospitalization. She would go on to graduate from Bauxite High school and attend Draghon’s School of Business before marrying the love of her life, T.J Bridges, in 1949. She loved and excelled at her roles as that of a homemaker, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Jerry was active in her church, the First Baptist Church of Benton, Ark. for more than 70 years. She was a warm and caring person, who had many, many friends. She had the gift of hospitality and always enjoyed having people in her home. Despite living with the crippling effects of Polio most of her life, Jerry persevered with little complaining, and was an inspirational example of faith, through her continual gratitude to God in the face of adversity. Her family is comforted now, knowing that she was well acquainted with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, and are confident that she is now in His presence, forever and always.

Visitation with the family will be Friday, July 16, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St. in Benton, Arkansas. Her funeral services will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021, 10:00 a.m., at the same location. Burial will follow at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery, located at 1010 Military Rd. in Benton, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Jerry’s name be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.