She was born in Rudesheim, Germany on May 12, 1935 to the late Kaufmann Bernhard Friedrich Willig and Elisabetha Josefina Nickolai Willig.
Ann was married to William “Bill” Bridgers on September 13, 1955. They met at a church social in Germany, were married and returned to Ahoskie, NC where they lived happily for over 50 years.
Ann had a career in Pediatric Nursing, working for Dr. Dan Boyette and then Dr. Charles Pierce for 30 years combined. She was a member of Roanoke Chowan Hospital Auxiliary and worked with the local Food Pantry. She had a passion for children, crafting, and gardening. Ann enjoyed visiting the Outer Banks with all four grandchildren and Colonial Williamsburg, VA.
She is survived by her daughter, Liz Derby and husband Guy, of Mint Hill, NC; son, Dan Bridgers and wife Mysha of Cape Coral, FL; grandchildren, Erika Derby of Charlotte, NC, Evan Derby and wife Cassie of Charlotte, NC, Nick Bridgers of Elizabeth City, NC and Kristen Bridgers of Glen Burnie, MD; three great grandchildren, Taylor Derby, Christian Derby and Cole Derby-Miller, all of Charlotte, NC; and sister, Theresa Sinsig of Wiesbaden, Germany.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, William Clyde Bridgers of Ahoskie, NC and two brothers, Heinz Willig and Anthony Willig both of Frankfurt, Germany.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227 with a visitation to immediately follow the service.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Research Hospital.
Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.
