Charlotte Martin Bridges

Charlotte Bridges was born in Marietta, Georgia on October 15, 1930, to Annie Kuykendall Martin and James Martin. She attended Tift Women’s College and Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas and later received a bachelor’s degree in education from Hardin Simmons University.

Charlotte met the love of her life, Julian Bridges at the Seminary in Ft. Worth where they were both preparing to serve as missionaries. They were missionaries 15 years primarily working with university students in Mexico City. While Julian served in many capacities with university students and served in various ministerial roles, Charlotte focused her efforts on children ministries at First Baptist Church (Iglesia Primeria) in Mexico City teaching children about the Bible and teaching them songs about Jesus.

Charlotte and Julian traveled several places throughout the world, including Africa and had the opportunity to spend several months in Madrid, Spain where Julian taught at the Baptist Seminary and Charlotte conducted classes for the pastors’ wives. They later spent time in Hong Kong where Julian taught at the Baptist University and Charlotte taught ESL/ Conversational English.

Both Charlotte and Julian were strong supporters of Hardin Simmons University where Julian taught sociology and social work classes from 1974-2004 and they were avid supporters of the HSU Cowgirl Basketball team.

Charlotte was employed in several secretarial positions at Lockheed Aircraft in Marietta, Abilene Municipal Airport, and First Baptist Church Abilene as secretary to the Pastor. She taught first grade at Valley View Elementary and Locust Elementary Schools and ESL for AISD for 9 years.

Her community involvement was a testament to her passion for making a difference in the lives of many. She devoted herself to serving others and was actively involved with the following organizations for many years including Abilene Baptist Association, Abilene Baptist Social Ministries, City Light Ministries through First Baptist Church, Missions Coordinator for First Baptist Church and HSU Roundtable. Charlotte loved children and served on the board for several years at GLO Daycare and volunteered with many Vacation Bible Schools both in Abilene and abroad.

When First Baptist Church made the decision to appoint women Deacons, Charlotte was one of the first 5 women chosen to serve. She inspired the yearly carrying of the international flags through the sanctuary during the Christmas season to encourage giving for missions, a tradition that still stands today.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Julian Bridges, 2 sisters, Mary Wilson, Evelyn Davis and a brother, James Martin. She is survived by 3 daughters, Becky Bridges (companion Renee’), Deborah Gil (Henry), Marelyn Shedd (Glen), 3 granddaughters, Suzanne Bush (Joseph), Callie Rayshell (Steven), and Teagan Whitney (Philip), 2 great grandchildren, Juni Whitney and Warren Rayshell, her brother, Rev. Bill Martin and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the excellent caregivers at Chisholm Court, Hendrick Hospice Care and to Vivian Ramos who has been compassionately providing care and joy to the family for numerous years.

Visitation will be Friday, January 2, 2026, from 1-2 PM at the Chapel at First Baptist Church, Abilene followed by a Celebration of Life service at First Baptist Church Chapel at 2 PM (corner of N. 2nd and Orange St). Private Interment will be held at Elmwood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to City Light Ministry through First Baptist Church, Hendrick Hospice Care, or GLO Children’s Ministry 320 Orange St. Abilene, TX 79601.