Hattie EllaWease Bridges

Evangelist Missionary Hattie EllaWease Bridges was born June 5, 1935, to the late Billy Troy and Audrey Garner Brent. She was the oldest of nine siblings. She transitioned on April 19, 2024 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center.

At the age of 16, Hattie met the love of her life and promised she would wait for his return while he served in the military. She kept her promise and married Booker T. Bridges on July 18, 1953. To this union, they were blessed with ten children.

Sis. Hattie grew up in Galilee Church of Christ Holiness USA. She later joined West Holy Hill C.O.G.I.C. and willfully fulfilled her calling to serve and love as God intended her to do. She served as president of the following: West Holy Hill Choir, Pastor's Aide Committee, Hospitality Department, and Home and Foreign Mission. She was also a member of Mother Board and served as Sunday School teacher. She served as the District #4 Dean of Music (President) and sang in the National choir for over sixty years.

Sis. Hattie was licensed as an Evangelist Missionary in the Church of God in Christ. She graduated from the C.H. Mason Bible College. She also was a member of the HTM prayer team.

Sis. Hattie was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Willie Ann Bridges; three siblings, Charles Brent, Willie Earl Harness, and O.P. Jackson; one grandson, Machearus Bridges; one son-in-law, Minister Charles Gatlin; and one daughter-in-law, Doris Bridges.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her loving husband of over 70 years, Elder Booker T. Bridges; her children: Dea. Alvin (Dianne) Bridges, Elder Billy (Brenda) Bridges, Mitchell (Etta) Bridges, Bobby (Renette) Bridges, all of Jayess, MS; Francis Gatlin of LaPlace, LA; Brenda (Dea. Dale) Hall of Magnolia, MS; and Elder Terry (Msn. Robin) Bridges; Dianna Williams of Bakersville, California; and Robert Bridges of Buffalo, New York; a granddaughter she raised, Yolanda Bridges; 34 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild; siblings: William Brent, Ruthie Clark, Willie Webb, Perry (Annie) Brent, Sr., Flora (Johnny) May, Hattie Faye Young, and Rosie Slay; in-laws: Allah Lumpkin, Elma Bridges, Erma Bridges, Q.D. Bridges, Molly Brent, and Louis Bridges; a god daughter: Sue Ann Evans-Caldwell of Louisville, Kentucky; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The wake will be held at West Holy Hill C.O.G.I.C. on Friday, April 26, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be held at West Holy Hill C.O.G.I.C. on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Public viewing: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m.

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