Barbara Bridges

Barbara Ann Bridges, 77, went to be with her Lord Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Briarhill Nursing Home after a strong fight with Alzheimer's. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 1 and 9-10 a.m. Thursday, February 2 at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence. Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home chapel followed by interment at New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Braxton, MS.\ \ Barbara was a longtime resident of Florence, MS and a member of First Baptist Church of Florence. She was born on September 28, 1934. After graduating from Florence, she went on to earn her secretarial degree from Jackson Commercial College. She joined her parents, the founders of Briarhill Nursing Home in 1964, where she eventually became owner and administrator. She made many loyal friends and employees during the past 35 years. She received multiple awards and certificates from the state of MS and the Mississippi Nursing Home Assoc., where she was one of the original members.\ \ Barbara was the loyal wife of Royce Arnold Bridges for 59 years. They shared a wonderful life and love for each other. Her greatest joy in life was her family and pet schnauzer (Mandy). She loved the outdoors and cooking for her family. Always with joy in her heart and a contagious smile, she lived life to the fullest.\ \ Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, William E. Mitchell, Sr., Bernice F. Mitchell; and brother, William E. Mitchell, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Royce Arnold Bridges; daughter, Debra Gail Bridges; sons, Ronald Douglas Bridges and Arnold Wade (Pam) Bridges; 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.\ \ We would like to thank the wonderful staff and employees of Briarhill Nursing Home for making her lasts months very comfortable.\ \ In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Briarhill Rest Home, 1201 Gunter Road, Florence, MS 39073.\ \ The family guestbook can be signed at www.chancellorfuneralhome.com. \