Eleanor Witcher Bridges

Eleanor Witcher Bridges, of Newnan, GA, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Wesley Woods of Newnan at the age of 91. Eleanor was born April 27, 1933, to the late William Brewer Witcher and Amelia Crawford Witcher. She fondly recalled memories of her childhood growing up in the country with eight older siblings. She was grateful for the joy of having them and other relatives who came to visit - the love of a big family who shared stories on the front porch were memories she savored throughout her life. After high school Eleanor remained in Newnan. She was involved with many groups, but her favorite was the Newnan Playmakers - a group that performed plays in the Patchwork Barn at Dunaway Gardens. Eleanor was involved in many aspects of the productions, even becoming an actress. It was here that she met the man she would ultimately spend almost 52 years with, Herb Bridges. Eleanor and Herb married in November 1961 and started their lives together in Sharpsburg, GA. They built their home in the "country" and raised their three children, Anne, Joe, and Bill. Eleanor taught her children to love the outdoors as much as she did. In 1970 she became the secretary/bookkeeper of The Heritage School, where she became a surrogate mom to many students and met teachers who would become lifelong friends. Eleanor faced everything with a sense of humor. Her banter was effortless, and she loved the company of people who would tease back and forth with her. She was defined by her quick wit, stubbornness, and patriotism, but what she valued and conveyed more than anything was the love she shared and cultivated with her family. One of the greatest legacies she leaves behind is the Witcher Family Thanksgiving. Eleanor began to host the entire Witcher crew at her home in 1976. She looked forward to this family gathering each year. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Herbert Bridges, and her eight older siblings, William Greer Witcher, Charles Brittain Witcher, Robert Hixon Witcher, Erie Frances Witcher McDowell, Harvey North Witcher, Mell Witcher, Jenelle Witcher Watson, and Amelia Anne Witcher Breed. She is survived by her daughter, Anne (Graves) Clayton of Cary, NC; her sons, Joe (Nan) Bridges of Columbus, GA and Bill (Christy) Bridges of Brewton, AL; her grandchildren, David Clayton, Bo Bridges, Will Clayton, Zoe Bridges, Jim Clayton, Edward Bridges, and Amelia Bridges. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Central Baptist Church, 14 W Broad St, Newnan, GA 30263. A reception at the church will follow. In lieu of flowers, Eleanor's wish was that memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to the Georgia Baptist Children's Home or The Heritage School or that you plant a tree. She loved trees.

Eleanor Witcher Bridges

April 27, 1933 - December 14, 2024