Annie Bridgers Obituary

Clarice Bridgers lived a life rooted in faith, filled with love, and guided by a deep sense of purpose. After a remarkable 52-year career in nursing, she dedicated her retirement years to what she cherished most: her Church, her family, and her friends.

Clarice’s journey in nursing began at Baptist Hospital, where she lived on-site as part of her rigorous training to become a registered nurse. Over the years, she served in nearly every capacity—working in emergency rooms, neonatal units, burn wards, optometry, and general care—but her heart belonged to pediatrics. Caring for children brought her joy and fulfillment, and she had an innate ability to soothe and heal, not just with medicine, but with compassion.

Clarice's devotion to service didn’t end when she left the hospital halls. She served her church community faithfully, whether helping with meals after funerals in Raymond or sewing for those in need. In Tennessee, she continued this ministry, handcrafting garments for women overseas—acts of love stitched into every thread. When her health began to decline, she focused her talents on her newest joy—sewing lovingly for her great-granddaughter, Evelyn.

She had a quiet, humble grace, and those who knew her best knew she was a great listener—never one to boast. Yet Clarice’s life was full of extraordinary moments. As a young girl, she attended school with none other than Patsy Cline. While living in Memphis, she once cut the hair of a young man heading off to war—Elvis Presley—and kept a lock of his hair. And on another occasion, she and her girlfriends hitched a ride with a little-known band at the time—The Rolling Stones. These brushes with history weren’t just tales; they were reflections of a life well-lived, filled with adventure and curiosity.

Clarice also knew how to enjoy life. She loved to dance, even mastering belly dancing in her younger years. She and her husband Jerry once won third place in a dance contest that earned them a spot on American Bandstand. Though she could only dog paddle, she’d bravely water ski with friends. Music filled their home—records signed by the likes of Dave Brubeck, Mac Davis, and Pete Fountain graced their shelves. Her life was vibrant, joyful, and always grounded in love.

Clarice was a nurse, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a friend, and a servant-hearted soul. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the quiet strength she carried throughout her days.

She is survived by her beloved brother, Jim McAlister; her son, Karl Bridgers (Kim); her grandchildren, Matthew Bridgers (Sierra) and Kristie Sadler (Justin); and her treasured great-granddaughter, Evelyn Sadler.

Service Information Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, Raymond. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM at the church, with interment to follow at Raymond City Cemetery.