Elizabeth Gillette Bridges was born March 9, 1956. It is with a very heavy heart that we share the recent passing of our beautiful beloved Elizabeth. Although a long-time resident of Morganton, N.C., she was born in Pickens, S.C., but she most recently, along with her husband, Charles Bridges, resided in Sherrills Ford of Lake Norman, N.C. She was a creative gardener, devoted animal lover to all her pets, reliable and conscientious employee, just to mention a few of her wonderful qualities. Even with all this said, nothing trumped Elizabeth’s quick wit. She was a “hilarious and sharp-tongued individual,” which was a reflection of her insightful intelligence. Tiny in size and large in beauty, she lit up a room every time she entered. She was never hesitant to share her perspective on things and it was always “enlightening” to say the least. This made her a very unique individual and why everyone loved being around her. She was also loving and accepting of everyone.
Her true joy and the love of her life was her husband, Charles Bridges, known to her as Charlie. They shared a wonderful lake life on Lake Norman sharing it with their family and friends. Elizabeth also joyfully joined Charlie in his mountain activities, with their friends and family in Richlands, N.C., and at their home in Colorado where they traveled often. Also, Elizabeth, lovingly known as “Gigi,” enjoyed doting over their great grandchildren, Belle, Stella, and Baker.
Elizabeth was a very independent, strong person. This was exhibited in her recent health struggles. She showed such strength and determination that most have never witnessed. Her close family and caregivers continued to be astonished at such resilience. She showed those around her what true bravery and selflessness looked like. In Elizabeth’s own words, “It’s in God’s hands.”
Her husband, Charles Bridges, was the most wonderful loving caregiver a wife could ever ask for. Anything she needed, before her illness and during, he made sure it was provided for her. As all of those close to Elizabeth and her caregivers witnessed, it was pure love in Charlie’s heart for her.
She is remembered with love by her husband, Charles Bridges of Sherrills Ford of Lake Norman, N.C.; stepdaughter, Tonya Prokupek (Steve) of Statesville; three grandsons, Brandon Prokupek (Emma) of Hickory, Jeremy Prokupek (Megan) of Statesville, and Jason Prokupek of Statesville; three great grandchildren, Isabelle Prokupek, Stella Prokupek, and Baker Prokupek: and longtime friend Norma Saunders Carney (Don); and many more friends (too many to mention), and Elizabeth loved them all.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Milburn Gillette and Blanche Woody Gillette, and many siblings. She was one of 11 children.
Left to cherish her memory are four siblings, Shirley McCall (Charles), Donald Gillette (Tina), Olin Gillette (Starla), and Clara Singleton (Mike), and many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to her wonderful caregivers, Cynthia, Jessica, Sydney and Cassidy, and everyone else who helped her in her journey.
Elizabeth was of the Christian Faith and a member of Calvary Lutheran Church of Morganton, N.C.
The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Troutman Funeral Home at 345 N. Main Street, Troutman, NC 28166.
The celebration of life will follow in the chapel at Troutman Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Iredell Memorial Park, 2304 Shelton Avenue, Statesville, NC. 28677.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Elizabeth’s honor to Samaritan’s Purse, Mountain Recovery, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC, 28607.
Troutman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bridges family.