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Celebrating the life of

Gloria Jane Bridges

April 15, 1949 - March 07, 2024

Gloria Jane Bridges

Jane Bridges passed away on March 7, 2024, after a brief illness, at home with her husband on Tybee Island, GA. Jane was born in Raleigh NC, on April 15, 1949 to H. Erwin and Lena Jane Mills Bridges. God now has a new member of His heavenly chorus. Jane was an alto, but to her delight, God promised that in heaven, she’ll sing soprano.

Jane was educated in the Florence, SC public schools, and received a BA in English and a Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina. Before Jane began her professional career, she worked two years in Germany teaching GED classes to American military personnel for the Department of Defense. In graduate school she was a stewardess with United Airlines. Upon graduation Jane’s chosen profession was as a medical research librarian in Charleston and Greenville, SC and Memphis, TN. In Savannah, she was the Library Director at the Mercer University School of Medicine at Memorial University Medical Center. She also worked in the libraries at Savannah State University and Candler/St. Joseph Hospital. She was active in local, regional, and national medical library associations, served on numerous boards and committees, and published several medical research articles. In 2016, the Southern Chapter of the Medical Library Association awarded her its highest honor for exceptional service and lasting importance, the T. Mark Hodges Outstanding Service Award.

Jane was a licensed yoga instructor teaching yoga for many years at Memorial Hospital and the Tybee YMCA. She loved life on Tybee Island and contributed a huge amount to the community. She enjoyed kayaking, bicycling, swimming, hiking, and sitting on the beach at sunset.

Jane researched and edited the Savannah Beach Wade-Ins historic marker application to the Georgia Historical Society. That established the Georgia Historical Society marker at the Tybee Island pier dedicated to the 1960s civil rights protests on Tybee and to those who participated in the Savannah Beach Wade-Ins.

She was also active with Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project, Friends of Tybee Post Theater, Forever Tybee, Friends of Cockspur Island Lighthouse, Tybee Arts Association, Tybee Island Lighthouse and for years was the clerk of the vestry at All Saints Episcopal Church. Jane appeared on stage in Tybee Arts Association plays and was a background actor on numerous television and movie productions filmed in Savannah. Jane volunteered at the Emmaus House Soup Kitchen of United Ministries of Savannah.

Jane is survived by her husband, Allen Lewis and four stepsons, Joseph in Florence, SC, Taylor (Caroline) in Clayton, NC, Cameron (Nandita) in Brooklyn, NY, and Deighton in Portland, ME. To her three adoring step grandchildren, she was “Nena.” She is also survived by a sister, Arlene Bridges Samuels (Paul) in Atlanta, GA, a niece Grace Samuels Brennan (Tyler) in Huntington Beach CA. and nephew Chad Bridges Samuels in Atlanta, Ga

Her funeral service is at 11 AM May 9th at Christ Church Episcopal, 28 Bull St. Savannah, GA and followed followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be made to Hospice of Savannah at, 1352 Eisenhower Dr., Savannah 31406, the Emmaus House at, 18 Abercorn St. Savannah, 31401, or the charity of your choice.

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Jane Bridges

- Katherine Garlington, Savannah , GA

I met Jane on the set of “I Want You Back.” Loved her effervescent personality. She will be missed. Memory eternal and Rest In Peace.

- Genie Brazzeal, Savannah, GA

Jane was a special person; talented in so many ways. My special memories of Jane include the work that she, her husband Allen, and I did on the Tybee Island Black History Trail. She is missed.

- Pat Leiby, Tybee Island, GA

Jane was one of a kind. We are blessed to know her and Allen. Reading her obituary, I am informed of her great oeuvre. I should aspire to such a life well-lived! Jane, thank you for your generosity of spirit towards Anthony & I these last 5 years. I cherish the memories of time with you as a neighbor, including when you joined me to canvas for Warnock & Ossoff in the middle of the pandemic. Never expected you to say yes, but you did. You are already missed.

- Nadine Neville-Turpin , Tybee Island, GA

Jane always held the love and respect of her medical library colleagues. We were proud to call her a friend. She will be greatly missed.

- Darra Ballance, Evans, Ga

She was so lovely and fun!

- Valerie Frey Stone, Athens , GA

Jane and I sang alto together in the Grace St Lukes church choir in Memphis and spent many Friday nights singing folk songs and playing music. I will miss her.

- Anne Pate, Dallas, Tx

Now and every time over the last 50 years that I see Jane in my mind, she has a big smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye, which reflected her enchanting personality. A wonderful instance of this was the Honor bestowed upon Jane by an authentic African Tribal Chief, who held vast power in his region. He met Jane when she was serving in Africa with “Doctors Without Borders.” He thought so much of Jane, that when he came to an international conference in Chicago, he honored her by coming all the way to Savannah to visit her. He (along with his travel bodyguard & interpreter) dined and spent the night at her home. Her personality had captivated him, and he told her he would not come all the way to the US, without paying his respects to her, as well. That was Our Jane! She will be so very missed by so many.

- Cindy Pierce, Clinton, SC

Jane has been such a dear friend through so many stages of our lives the last 28 years or so. I remember talking with Jane when she first reconnected with Allen, on the deck that would be hers in just a few years. So grateful for the love she and Allen shared. So grateful for many adventures with Jane.

- Debbie Fleming, Asheville , NC

Jane was a kind, exuberant person. I had the pleasure of meeting her in the late 90s and getting to know her through out the years. Prior to her retirement, she was very active in the state level medical librarians group. Whenever we saw each other at meetings, we were so happy to see each other. I will miss her warmness and her great heart. God bless you and your family, Jane. Those of us who had the privilege to know you will miss you dearly.

- Mia White, Atlanta , GA

So sorry to hear this news. My prayers are with you and yours. Please take care.

- Shireen Rahman, Yarmouth , Me

So sorry to see this. I loved sharing yoga classes with Jane and know she also enjoyed her birds. Sending thoughts and prayers Allen.

- Diana Churchill, Savannah, GA

I am so very sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. My deepest condolences for your loss.

- Paula DeNitto, Savannah, GA

Alan, So sorry for you to lose fabulous Jane. She truly was a ray of sunshine! She will be missed by many. Love and peace, Carmela

- CarmelaAliffi , Sav, GA

When one looked at Jane, you couldn't help but smile as she was always glowing with joy. I remember singing with her at Medical Library Association Southern Chapter meetings in fun skits and just laughing the whole time. She is spreading joy in heaven I'm sure. Thinking of her family with care.

- Jean Shipman, NELLYSFORD, VA

Jane was a blessing. She walked in beauty through our beloved community. We will miss her.

- Ben Goggins , Tybee Island , GA

So sorry to hear of Jane’s passing. She was one of a kind, funny, active, and passionate librarian and storyteller. She and her stories will be missed.

- Janice Kelly, Catonsvile, Md

What a bright bright star. She made me feel so welcome when I started teaching yoga on Tybee. She just had such a warmth and zest for life. Condolences to all of her loved ones. - Liz Massey

- Elizabeth Massey , Savannah, Ga

Allen and Family, I miss Jane everyday! When I last spoke with her she sounded so fragile but seemed "hopeful". Jane shared a lot of time with me through the years and I always felt better after our times together. As "cousins" we shared a lot of history and joys and sorrows. I am thankful for that and will always remember her thoughtfulness and caring. Jane was smart and fun and I know Dick and Jerry will welcome her in heaven. Love to you and your family, Susie

- Sue Ellen Holleman, Wilmington, NC

Jane was a very good friend for over 40 years. We always had fun and some good laughs any time we would get together, even if those times only happened once every few years. Jane was someone you just always wanted in your life.

- Brian Boone, Charleston, South Carolina

Rest in peace, Jane. We are going to miss you SO much. You were the best neighbor and we will miss seeing you and chatting with you. Your kindness, smile and laughter we will miss most of all. Ellis will be sure to help Allen take care of your chickens. Enjoy all the glories and beauty of heaven. You have now made it an even brighter place.

- Scot, TIfani and Ellis Pool, Tybee Island, Georgia

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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