Mary Carolyn Bridges

Mary Carolyn Bridges, lovingly known as "Carole," was born on July 20, 1939, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to Nettie Louise Bryant and Osborne Wendler Bryant. On October 1, 2024, Carole passed away peacefully in El Paso, Texas, at the age of 85.

Carole grew up in a large family with seven siblings. She is survived by her sisters Vivian Suttles, Margaret Parnell, and Maxine Sams. Carole was preceded in death by her siblings Francis Waldrop, Patricia Greene, George Bryant, and Dean Bryant. Carole also has several nieces and nephews. 

In 1956, Carole married the love of her life, James Bridges. They were happily married until James' passing in 1996. Together, they had two children, Crystal Jernigan and James "Jim" Bridges, with Jim preceding Carole in death. Carole is survived by her daughter Crystal and her spouse Tony, as well as her six beloved grandchildren: Joseph Jones (Sabrina), Stacie Buchanan (Shaun), Heather Jernigan (Samuel), Dustin Tomlinson (Brenna), Donovan Tomlinson (Jennifer), and Destiny Davis (Xavia). Carole was preceded in death by one grandchild, Angela Bridges. Carole was also a proud great-grandmother to eleven great-grandchildren.

Carole graduated from Cowpens High School in Spartanburg, SC, and was a devoted member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. After marrying James, the couple’s life in the military led them to travel and live in various places, including Germany, before settling in El Paso, Texas.

Carole had a long and fulfilling career with AAFES, retiring twice and forming lifelong friendships, including one with her dear friend, Bonita. In her free time, Carole enjoyed shopping, keeping up with the latest fashion, reading romance novels, tending to her roses, and sipping her coffee.

Carole will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her strength, resilience, spunk, warmth, and sense of style will forever be remembered.

She will be laid to rest at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, with services to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Carole's GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/a4b9d3f1