On Nov. 13, 2018 God came to reclaim one of his sons, Clarence Joseph Bridgewater Sr. son of Mary Nelson and George Bridgewater. Clarence was born on Jan. 27th, 1922 in New Rhodes, LA, to that union there were 5 children, Ella, Landry, Georgina, Allen, and Clarence. All of Clarence’ sisters and brothers preceded him in death. Clarence grew up in Plaquemine, Louisiana, he worked for Stacy’s Grocery Store where he delivered food to Stacy’s customers; this is where he met his first wife Etta Williams. Clarence and Etta dated and married soon afterwards, to this union there were 7 children. Melda, Clarence Jr., Donald, Mary, Gerald, Eartha Lee, and, step- daughter Etta Nelson, whom he raised as his own. In May 1943 Clarence enlisted into the United States Army, he served in World War II. Private First Class. Clarence Joseph Bridgewater Sr. was honorably discharged in January 1946 receiving Asiatic- Pacific Theater Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Star good conduct medal. In 1947 Clarence and his wife along with two children packed up and moved to New Orleans, LA. Where Clarence began working for Domino Sugar Refinery. Clarence worked there for 46 years before retiring. Clarence always had a second job being self- employed as a gardener in the afternoons and every weekend. Clarence had many clients that lived on the lake front of New Orleans. Clarence spent his spare time fishing and cooking, he would sometimes feed half the neighborhood; he always had a full house, Clarence loved having company over and he was and excellent cook. Clarence and Etta divorced after many years, he later married his second wife Rita Mae Joseph and they moved to the lower 9th Ward of New Orleans. From that marriage came three children, step-daughter Pearly, sons Kenneth and Clem. After several years Clarence and Rita divorced, but Clarence continued to live in the Lower 9th Ward for the next 49 years where he was a pillow of the community, living on the Corner of Gordon and Urquhart streets. Clarence had many friends, he was known to clothe, feed, house many, he had good friends such as Randolph AKA “Cheese”, Mr. Pete, Mrs. Etta and family, Darrell AKA “Doc”, Lulu, Henry, MeMe, Shaun, and many others. In 2013 due to failing health, Clarence moved to Las Vegas, NV. With his son, Gerald, where he met and made new friends while attending The International Lions Club meetings and events. Clarence was loved and cherished by many of the Lions Club Members. Clarence leaves to mourn his memories son Clarence Jr., daughter Etta Jr. and wife Etta whom preceded him in death; daughters Melda, Mary, Eartha Lee and son Donald of Los Angeles, CA; sons Gerald, Kenneth and Clem of Las Vegas, NV. Step- daughter Pearly of Las Vegas, NV and Kacy Raymond of New Orleans, LA. Whom Clarence raised as his own from a child, 75 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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