Anna Virginia Bridge

She was born in Waco, Texas, December 27, 1923 to Mary Gonzales Hawkins and Willie Lee Hawkins.

At the age of 14, she moved with her parents and young brother to Port Isabel, Texas and graduated from Port Isabel High School in 1941.

During World War II, she worked in the laboratory of the Coastal Refineries plant in Port Isabel, and was the first woman hired to work in that capacity. She worked nights and attended morning classes at Brownsville Jr. College, receiving an Associate Degree in 1946.

After the war, she attended Baylor University, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in 1947 and a Master's degree in 1955.

On April 9, 1950, she married Joe Hernandez Bridge in Waco, Texas. They met as children and were married 43 years until his death February 21, 1994. They were both retired teachers.

She was a long time member of Trinity Baptist Church and a founding member of The Fellowship of San Antonio where she attended with her family.

She was a strong believer in prayer and was known to spend hours every night on her prayer list. She was also a member of the following organizations: Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Jamestown Society, Daughters of the War of 1812, Ladies of the Thistle, Daughters of the American Colonists, Magna Charta Dames and Barons, Colonial Dames of the XVI I Century, Plantagenet Society, Colonial Order of the Crown, Society of Americans of Royal Descent, Society of the Descendants of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, American Association of University Woman, State Association of Texas Pioneers, Life Member of the Baylor Alumni Association, Baylor Heritage Club, San Antonio Baylor Women's League, Pan American Round Table, San Antonio Retired Teachers Association, and a member of the Central Texas Museum Association in Salado.

After her husband's death, she devoted the rest of her life to genealogy research and travel. Of the 14 countries she had visited, Israel and England were her favorites.

She was a strong Christian woman and a wonderful teacher for 32 years. She instilled the importance of faith and education to all who listened.

She is survived by four daughters; Marinela Merritt, Patricia Ann Strawn and her husband Jack, Anna Virginia Vandertulip and her husband Don, and Suzanne Bell.

She is also survived by six grandchildren; William Donald and Chelle Vandertulip, Virginia Lynn and Michael Aaron, Joe Daniel and Julie Vandertulip, Lee and Rosemary Vandertulip, Mary Lisa and Joe Mireles, and Lucinda and Sonny Shirey. Anna Virginia was blessed to have nine great-grandchildren; Liam Vandertulip, Virginia Aaron, Will Aaron, Joshua Aaron, Rebecca Aaron and a little Aaron on the way, Emily Vandertulip, Daniel Vandertulip, and Morgan Vandertulip.

She leaves a rich legacy for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that were blessed to have had her in their lives.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Anita Hawkins as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe Bridge and her brother, William Hawkins Jr. of McAllen, Texas.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the caring staff at Seraphim Assisted Living for acting as an extended family, and to Legacy Hospice for superior care during her final days.

Viewing will be held from 4-6 pm, Saturday, April 12th at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2014

2:00 P.M.

THE FELLOWSHIP OF SAN ANTONIO

23755 CANYON GOLF ROAD

Rev. Ron Hill will officiate. Interment will take place on Monday, April 14, 2014 in Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Fellowship of San Antonio Choir.