Charlotte – Dorothy Jones Bridgeman, 84, born in Macon, GA on September 9, 1930, died Tuesday January 27, 2015. Mrs. Bridgeman was the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. William E. Jones of Jeffersonville, GA. Preceded in death by her parents, husband, Luther Pierce Bridgeman, Sr., sister, Milbrey Lunceford Jones, and brother, W.E. Jones, Jr., as well as her two daughters, Elizabeth (Bess) Hardin Bridgeman and Barbara Ann Bridgeman, she is survived by her son, Perry and his wife Donna, their sons Daniel and Steven and granddaughters, Kirsten Mathis and Dr. Allison Bean. Dorothy Bridgeman graduated from Jeffersonville High School and went on to receive her undergraduate degree from Georgia State College for Women in 1950.
Several years later, while teaching, she was accepted into the North Carolina Educational Grant program for state teachers and earned a Master’s degree in Science Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dorothy spent 30 years teaching in North Carolina, at Manteo High School, in Manteo, NC; at Old Central and Garinger High Schools in Charlotte and at Mt. Holly Senior High School and Junior High School. Though she most enjoyed teaching biology, the depth of her scientific knowledge enabled her to also teach courses in chemistry and physics. A life-long interest in botany also kept her busy attending vegetable and flower gardens on her property.
As a self-described tom-boy and youngest child in her rural Georgia family, Dorothy was given a bolt-action .22-caliber rifle for her 15th birthday. She used to enjoy shooting target practice after chores like feeding the baby goats her dad had placed under her care. A sports fan, Mrs. Bridgeman avidly followed Atlanta Braves baseball and Carolina Tarheels basketball throughout her life. Devoted to her family, after Dorothy lost her husband in 1976, she decided no one could replace the “love of her life”, and thereafter, put her time and energy into helping her remaining family.
Dorothy was actively involved in the Charlotte community, participating in Leadership Charlotte training as well as serving a term as Vice-President of the Friends of the Public Library and was an Opera Carolina season ticket holder. A world traveler, Dorothy undertook more than eight major trips during her life with destination highlights including Denmark, Cuba, Italy, Spain, Egypt and Alaska. She particularly enjoyed travelling accompanied by her beloved sister, Milbrey. Despite her globe-trotting retirement, Dorothy always declared that Charlotte was still her favorite place on Earth to live.
Dorothy also took pride in her life-long membership in the Methodist Church, enjoying lively debates in her Sunday school class at Myers Park United Methodist Church. An advocate for social justice, Dorothy was recently recognized by the Southern Poverty Law Center for her 15 years of financial support. She also was a long-time member and supporter of the American Association of University Women and the local National Public Radio station, WFAE.
Her family wishes to express its sincere gratitude for the many acts of love and kindness extended to Dorothy by the outstanding staff at Atria Merrywood and The Haven in Pineville during her long battle with Alzheimer’s. Thanks also to University Place Nursing and Rehab, for making her last days as comfortable as possible.
Cremation has taken place and funeral arrangements are in the care of Harry and Bryant Funeral Home, 500 Providence Road. Condolences may be offered at www.HarryandBryantFuneralHome.com. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 2pm Monday, February 2 at Sharon Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. A graveside service will also be held Tuesday, February 3 at Jeffersonville Methodist Church in Jeffersonville, GA.
Please direct memorial contributions to your choice of the following deserving organizations: the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Boy Scouts of America, Mecklenburg County Council or the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library Foundation.
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