Billie J. (Gammage) Bridges

Billie Joyce Bridges, age 93, of Elkhart, Texas, passed away peacefully in the early morning on Friday, the 24th day of October 2025, surrounded by love and the warmth of her family.  Mrs. Bridges was born on the 6th day of March 1932 in Houston County, Texas to parents Harry Gammage and Ardell Luce Gammage Head.  Mrs. Bridges was a Christian and a faithful member of the First Congregational Methodist Church.

Mrs. Bridges, a cherished member of the Elkhart community, had a welcoming presence in the snack bar at Elkhart I.S.D. for many years, where she not only served meals but also offered love and words of encouragement to countless students and staff before retiring.  Mrs. Bridges's interests were a reflection of her expansive heart. She was the epitome of a caregiver, always putting others before herself.

An avid Elkhart Elks Football fan, Mrs. Bridges's enthusiasm for the game was infectious. She was a constant figure at sports events, supporting all her children and grandchildren in every game. Her passion extended to all sports, and the teams she followed with such devotion.

Cooking was another of Mrs. Bridges's many talents, and she found joy in the smiles and satisfied sighs that followed her delicious meals and pecan pies. Her love for traveling took her to places where she could create new memories with friends and family. Her absence will be felt, but the light of her spirit will remain a guiding force for all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mrs. Bridges is preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Verbon Head, husband Charles Peter Bridges, son Ronny Bridges, sister Ina Dale, and her grandson Cory Blackmon.

She leaves a legacy of love to her daughter Pam Blackmon and husband Pat; sons, Larry Bridges and wife Belinda, Eddie Bridges and wife Nita; daughter-in-law, Karen Bridges; grandchildren, Monica Davis, Tracy Wilson, Matt Bridges, Penny Estes, Mandy Walker, Ryan Blackmon, Jordan Blackmon, Lance Bridges; sixteen great-grandchildren; and eleven great-great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Bridges also leaves behind her special friend Molly Bowman, numerous nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends.

Friends are invited to a visitation from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 27th day of October 2025 at Rhone Funeral Home.

A celebration of life service to honor the life of Billie Bridges is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 28th day of October 2025 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. David Franklin officiating the service.  Interment will follow in Pilgrim Cemetery where Mrs. Bridges will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Jordan Blackmon, Matt Bridges, Ryan Blackmon, Lance Bridges, Conner Walker, Cole Bridges, Landon Estes, and Carter Wilson.  Honorary pallbearers include Truman Starr, Hunter Bridges, Collin Edwards, Eddie Lawler, and Joe Cannon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed towards the Cory Blackmon Memorial Scholarship Fund, Commercial Bank of Texas, 109 W. Parker St., Elkhart, Texas 75839.

Funeral services for Billie Joyce Bridges are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.  

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