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- DURHAM -- Annie Rose Carlton Bridgers, 92, passed away Dec. 10, 2008.
A Durham native, she was one of seven children born to the late Elvis Jasper Carlton Jr. and Annie Georgie Avent Carlton.
She attended the Durham City Schools, Kennedy Commercial College, Durham School of Music and the Southern Conservatory of Music, where she won a performance award. This love of music continued throughout her life.
She became a Christian while attending Carr Methodist Church. At 12, she wanted to be a missionary. Years later, in 1939, she married The Rev. Leo. T. Bridgers. For 61 years together, their lives and ministries touched many.
She also visited and led Bible study and music programs in long-term care facilities. Few knew she worked to improve the health care and safety of the residents, or that she was asked to testify before the U.S. Senate Committee charged with oversight of these issues and patient's rights.
Always a Southern lady, she enjoyed baking, needlework and yard work, always done wearing a dress. She was known for her memory, quick wit, attention to details and exceptional organizational skills.
In 1986, after 44 years, she retired from the Americal Tobacco Leaf Division. For over 30 years as payroll leader with perfect audits, she was responsible for millions in pay and benefits for employees in many states. At 92, people still sought her counsel.
Surviving are her daughter, Dr. Joan Avent Bridgers DiNapoli and husband, Dr. Raphael Joseph DiNapoli Jr.; grandson, Dr. Leo Anthony DiNapoli and wife, Jessica; and great-grandson, Anthony Robert DiNapoli; and many nieces and nephews.
Her brothers, Harlon Roy Carlton, Arthur DeWitt Carlton, Elvis Jasper Carlton Jr. and Henry Wade Carlton; and sisters, Ida Mae Carlton Hammond and Elma Elizabeth Carlton King Warren predeceased her.
A memorial service will be held at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Dec. 13, 2008 at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.
To honor her life, contributions may be made to the Annie C. Bridgers and The Rev. Leo T. Bridgers Scholarship Fund, c/o Campbell University, P.O. Box 97, Buies Creek, NC 27506. This fund supports undergraduates who wish to dedicate their life to religious service.
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