Evangelist Estella Bridges (1937 – 2021)

Evangelist Estella Bridges, 84, of Madison, FL transitioned from her earthly life to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 8, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents: James Bridges and Mary Magelene Staley Bridges; grandmother: Estella Staley, uncle: Warren Staley, and children: Lorraine Jonas Brown and Michael Jonas.

Evangelist Bridges was born in Newark, NJ to proud parents, Mary Magelene Staley Bridges and James Bridges. However, she was raised by her grandmother, Estella Staley and her uncle, James Bridges in Lake City, FL, but as a young adult, Evangelist Bridges relocated to Madison, FL and ultimately called it home.

To provide for her family, she was a babysitter and homemaker, who later worked as a cook at Yellow Pines Truck Stop and for Gold Kist Poultry Plant for over 30 years.

A God-fearing woman of great faith, Evangelist Bridges raised her children accordingly. Even with her large family, she always shared with others, knowing that it pleased God. She was a faithful member of Pineland Baptist Church and frequently attended Magnolia Holiness Church until her health failed her many years ago.

Having been taught the importance of love and sacrifice for family, Evangelist Estella's devoted children worked together to be her caregivers during the many years she endured her health challenges.

At the close of her life journey, Mother Estella Bridges fulfilled her promise to serve the Lord with gladness, fell into eternal sleep, and relocated to her heavenly home where she can now serve Him forevermore. Forever treasuring the life and legacy and cherishing her loving memory are her sons: Raymond "Gee" Jonas, Sr., Tommie (Mildred) Jonas, Sr., all of Madison, FL, David (Gwendolyn) Jonas, Terry Jonas of Newark, NJ; daughters: Marian L. Denson, Annie Jo Martin, both of Madison, FL, Iris (John) Allison-Hawthorne of Albany, GA, Brenda (Frankie) Johnson of Madison, FL, and Angela (Wayne) Messam of Miramar, FL; sister: Lela Lynch of Newark, NJ; grandduaghter, raised as a daughter: Marian (Bobby) Thompkins of Madison, FL; 22 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; many other loving relatives and sorrowing friends.