SPRINGDALE — Gussie Lee Barlow Bridges left her earthly body on October 7th at 9:30 p.m. at the age of 95.

Gussie was born the daughter of William Thomas and Mary Rosalie Barlow of Benton, Ark.

Gussie was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Mitchell Bridges; two sisters, Mary Lucille Barlow and Johnnie Ruth Samples.

Gussie lived a full and wonderful life. She and Mitchell lived in Japan shortly after WWII. They lived in many locations while Mitchell was in the Army, many years spent in Virginia. Gussie was a wonderful mother, raising seven children including two sets of twins that were 21 months apart. Gussie instilled a love of God in her children, which was instilled in her from her parents, all of the Methodist faith. Gussie had a true thirst for knowledge. She went to nursing school at the age of 49. She remained a nurse, working for St. Vincent and the Urology Associates of Little Rock, and took care of her husband Mitchell until he passed away in March of 1994. After this she managed Stride Rite Shoes and worked at Dillard’s. She was a volunteer at CARTI for many years. Gussie is a member of Geyer Springs United Methodist Church. Gussie was a resident of Azalea Commons in Springdale when she passed away.

She leaves seven children to cherish her memory: Bill Bridges (Julie), Sharon Schroeder (Jim), Kaye Young (Denny), Diana Peppers, David Bridges (Misti), Paul Bridges (Debbie), and Paula Holleman. Gussie was blessed with 15 grandchildren, Missa Smith, Mitchell Bridges, Matthew Bridges, James Schroeder, Cathy Schroeder, Daniel Young, Bryan Young, Wesley Bailey, Zachary Lowrance, Brendan Lowrance, Cameron Bridges, Lauren Molsbee, Jackie Gray, Katie Williams, and Josh Holleman. Gussie has seven great-grandchildren, Bella Ward, Tatiana Cutlip, Saffron Schroeder, Rua Young, Ellis Gray, Caiden Gray, and Lola Brown.

A visitation was held at Griffin Leggett, 5800 12th Street in Little Rock on Tuesday October 10th from 5-7 p.m. A graveside service officiated by Rev. Daniel Kirkpatrick was held on Wednesday, October 11th, at 10 a.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery, 10200 Highway 5 North in Alexander. Our thanks and love go to the staff of Azalea Commons in Springdale who loved and cared for Gussie for many years. Thank you to Circle of Life Hospice for helping Gussie in her final days.