Judith "Judy” G. Bainbridge

Judy was born and raised in East Orange and West Orange, New Jersey. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Mary Washington College (now University of Mary Washington). She then attended the University of Iowa where she received her Masters Degree and PhD in English. While at Iowa, she married H. Leon Gatlin from Raeford, N. C. They had one daughter, Susanna (Susie) Townsend Gatlin.

After teaching briefly at Johnson C. Smith College, she accepted a teaching position at Queen’s College in Charlotte. In 1976, after a divorce, Judy accepted a position at Furman University in Greenville, SC. She taught English and was a highly valued advisor and administrator.

After moving to Greenville, she became active in local organizations including the YWCA, The Greenville Urban League, Greenville historic preservation, and The Friends of the Greenville County Library. She also wrote a weekly or bi-weekly history articles for local newspapers. In 1985 she married Robert W. (Bob) Bainbridge.

Judy wrote seven books, notably, Academy and College: A History of the Woman’s College of Furman University, Greenville’s Heritage, and A Short History of Greenville, published by the USC Press.

She is survived by Bob Bainbridge and Susie Gatlin.

A Memorial service has been scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on October 17, 2026 in the Garden Room at the Furman Chapel, 3300 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville, SC 29613.