Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

July 21, 2023

Elizabeth “Betty” Whitsett Bridges, age 90, of Matthews, NC, died on Friday, July 21, 2023, surrounded by her children at her home in Matthews Glen. Betty was loving, selfless, and outgoing, fully devoted to her husband, family, friends, and church.

Betty was a native of Charlotte, born at Presbyterian Hospital on December 11, 1932, to the late Jerre and Eva Whitsett. Prior to living in Matthews, Betty was a lifelong resident of Myers Park and Eastover.

Betty attended Eastover Elementary and Alexander Graham Middle School, where she was the Chair of the Junior Red Cross. In Eighth Grade, she attended the Junior Red Cross national convention in Atlantic City.  Eleanor Roosevelt was the keynote speaker, and this was the first of three encounters with Ms. Roosevelt during Betty’s formative years. Betty greatly admired Ms. Roosevelt.

Betty attended Central High School and went on to attend Woman’s College, now UNC-Greensboro. Both prior to and after college, Betty worked at Gutmann Galleries in Eastover. Leon and Dorothy Gutmann were lifelong mentors and valued friends who fueled her interest in traveling. Betty would travel to the Bahamas, Florida Keys, New York City and Europe in her twenties.

Betty was a faithful member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church her entire life. In high school, Betty actively participated in Sunday Night Vespers led by Eleanor Belk. She joined the Young Adult program after college, actively building the membership and serving as secretary.

Betty met Ken Bridges at MPPC, and the “fools” were married on April 1, 1960. Betty and Ken were enthusiastic participants in the John Calvin Class for many decades. Betty joined the Women of the Church and served as a Circle Leader. She was later elected to serve as an Elder, and chaired the Worship Committee. 

Perhaps Betty’s greatest contribution to the life of the church was her role as Wedding Director, succeeding Eleanor Belk. Starting in the 1970’s, Betty coordinated the worship services that launched countless couples into new lives together. This joyful service to the church spanned more than three decades. The Presbytery of Charlotte honored her commitment to the church with their Legacy Award in 2017.

During the 1970s and 80s, Betty served as a volunteer on the Domiciliary Committee for Mecklenburg County and visited the growing number of adult care facilities in the county. Her committee’s key recommendations on fire safety and call buttons were ultimately incorporated into legislation passed by the State of North Carolina. 

Betty’s loving husband of 63 years, Ken, passed just nine weeks prior on May 18, 2023. Betty is survived by her three children, Kenneth Monroe Bridges III (Kate), Elizabeth Bridges Byrum (Brad), and Jerre Stratton Bridges (Aylin); her nine grandchildren, Trevor Byrum (Kelly), Katie Kennedy (Trey), Dylan Byrum (Lori), Carter Byrum, Kyle Byrum, Caldwell Bridges, Beth Bridges, Jack Bridges, and Ryan Bridges; and two great-grandchildren, Shepherd Byrum and Thomas Kennedy.

The middle child of three, Betty was predeceased by her older sister Barbara Edwards. She is additionally survived by her younger sister, Jerre Snider; her niece, Paige Edwards Jennings, and nephews Scott Snider (Angela) and Stuart Snider (Nekayah).

A service of worship will be held at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207 on Wednesday, July 26 at 2:00 p.m. The service will also be livestreamed and will be available at the following link: Livestream - Myers Park Presbyterian Church

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks for the care and compassion Betty received from the nurses and staff of Hospice, the devoted ministers and volunteers of Myers Park Presbyterian Church, and her many loyal friends, family members and caregivers.

For those wishing to honor Betty, the family asks that you consider Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226, and Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.