Opal Mae Bridges

Opal Mae Bridges, age 89 of Henry, TN, died Saturday, December 4, 2021, at her residence.

Opal was a wife, a mother, a farmer, and a devout Christian. She spent many years working alongside her husband Jerry on their farm. Before her health declined, she enjoyed raising a garden and sharing her produce with her family and friends. Many say she had the best sweet corn around. She was a faithful member of Union Friendship Church. Her children called her “The Blessed Hands.”

Born January 7, 1932, in a small community in Henderson County, TN, she was the daughter of the late Johnnie Milam Houston and the late Hautie Mae Millner Houston.

She was married April 7, 1972, to Jerry Donald Bridges, who preceded her in death on August 12, 2020.

She is survived by one daughter, Tamara “Tammy” (Pete) Lackey of Paris; one son, Lane Barton of Henry; two grandchildren, William Barton (Jerrica) Terban of East Bridgewater, MA, and Maxwell Wesley Terban of Stuggart, Germany; a sister, Joy (M.L.) Bailey, a brother, Max Houston, both of Paris; and a sister in law, Mary (Paul) Waters of Boise, Idaho; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Along with her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by two brothers, Vernon Houston and Paul (Sue) Houston; and a sister-in-law, Janice Houston.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242. Visitation will be Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, and continue Friday, December 10, 2021, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. The funeral service will be Friday, December 10, 2021, at 1:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with Tom Winchester and Ken Houston officiating.

Ken Houston, Lee Bailey, Tim Houston, Lane Barton, Colson Conger, Scooter Miller, Eddie Martin, and Kenny Capps will serve as pallbearers.

Burial will be in Olive Branch Cemetery in Cottage Grove, TN.