Nelda Jean Bridges

Nelda Jean Bridges, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Houston, Texas, leaving a void her family cannot fill. Nelda was born in Kingsville, Texas on August 23, 1934, to Newell and Vera Crane.

She graduated from Henrietta M. King High School in 1952. She also attended Texas A&I in Kingsville. Nelda worked in the Kleberg County Clerk’s office in the Records Department, along with her older sister, Marie, and brother-in-law, Gus Redus.

She was introduced to S.T. Bridges at C&M Drive In by one of her closest friends on September 8, 1954 and they went on their first date on September 10, 1954, and went “steady” from then on until they announced their engagement on December 10th and married on December 20, 1954, in a double wedding ceremony in their parents’ home with her older sister, Marie and Red Wright. She (and S.T.) knew after that first date, he was the one with whom she would raise a family. She dedicated her life to raising her four children. She was Room Mother, Team Mom for various sports, and in charge of making dance recital costumes for many years. She also won a Women’s Golf Tournament at Bay City Country Club. In the 1960’s, she painted her golf balls hot pink and orange so she could see hers better on the fairway much to S.T.’s embarrassment. So, she started that trend that is still popular today. S.T.’s work moved them from Kingsville to Bay City to Friendswood to LaPorte. They were happily married for 42 years until the sudden death of S.T. in March 1997.

Nelda is preceded in death by her parents Newell and Vera Crane, her husband S.T. Bridges, her sisters Lenora and Marie, grandson Jeremy, and granddaughters, Melissa and Louisa Kay, and her daughter-in-law, Angie Bridges.

She is survived by her four children, Laura (Tony) Pitchford of Lipan, Mark (Pat) Bridges of Nacogdoches, Sara (Jason) Hindsley of LaPorte, and Jeff (Angie) Bridges, of San Antonio. The crowning glory for Nelda was being “Mimi” to six grandchildren, Johanna (Chad) Davidson of Dublin, Nicola Harris of College Station, Brannon (Kinslea) Morris of Friendswood, Toby (Courtney) Morris of LaPorte, Charlotte Hooker of LaPorte, and Francesca (Jared) Groppe of Weatherford. Her absolute pride and joy were her thirteen great grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Haley Harris, Cameron and Wyatt Davidson, Rylee and Slade Groppe, Hayden and Nova Moore and Gracie Hooker, Caden and Addalynn Morris, Colton and Raylea Morris. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and cousins whom she loved and adored.

Nelda’s presence was the spark that ignited joy in every gathering. With her infectious smile and laughter, she turned ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. She had the biggest heart and would help out anyone in any way she could. Her larger-than-life personality and generous heart touched everyone she met. Her determination pushed her to go after her passions and she did not let up until she had what she wanted, animals, art, antiques, real estate, candles, beads, and quilts. She was known for her love of animals, especially her chihuahuas. She raised chihuahuas for over 50 years and provided countless loving homes with their first pet. Many of her clientele were repeat customers just because they loved visiting with her and soon became friends.

Nelda will always be remembered as a professional bargain shopper. Every gift she gave to anyone she told them it was a great deal or on sale. In fact, her final bargain was the “Weekday Special” for her service today.

Nelda had the honor and privilege of a lifetime spending six wonderful years taking care of her older sister, Marie. Their journey together went from LaPorte to Leakey to San Antonio. Their time together was full of adventures shopping at Goodwill, eating out, laughing about old times, and just enjoying each other’s company. People often referred to them as “Lucy and Ethel.” Nelda would always say taking care of Marie was just a small token to repay Marie for taking care of her as a child growing up, getting her ready for school every day, preparing her school lunch, and fixing her hair.

Nelda moved to Weatherford from San Antonio to live near her daughter, Laura. She enjoyed it there for a time but she decided it was time to go home to LaPorte. Her daughter, Sara, took on the responsibility of taking care of Nelda in her home and for that the family will always be forever grateful for her love and care of their mother during these last years of her life.

At the time of her death, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of LaPorte.

She truly was the meaning of a life well lived.

A visitation will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home, located at 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598, on February 18, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at the same venue on February 19, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the committal from 11:00 am to 11:45 am.