Bette Bridges

Bette Jeanne Ivey Bridges, 90, of Greer, South Carolina passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on February 23, 1935, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina to Ellen Luvenia Clary Ivey and Clinton Elmore Ivey. After graduating from Roanoke Rapids High School, she worked for the Office of Special Investigations in Washington, D.C., where she met her husband, Dr. Byron Kent Bridges. Bette and Kent would be married for 62 years, first living in Houston, Texas before settling in Greer, South Carolina where they built a home and raised their three daughters. Bette was critical to the success of Kent’s dental practice, managing the administrative affairs for his office in downtown Greer and helping him open a second office in Marietta, SC. Bette was the consummate host frequently entertaining friends and family in her home. Whether it was a celebration or one of her famous Gourmet Club dinners, Bette made sure every detail was perfect. In her younger days, Bette enjoyed participating in Bridge Club and the Azalia Garden Club. She was an avid volunteer at Memorial UMC, and in the community. She was active with Greer Community Ministries helping to organize the annual Big Thursday fundraiser. Bette was a talented interior decorator and had a flair for fashion. With her keen eye, she created beautiful home interiors and stunning wardrobe ensembles. One of Bette’s greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren. “Bebe” showered them with time and attention. She made each one feel special, and they all looked forward to being with her. Bebe had a knack for finding unique birthday and Christmas gifts, often sneaking in extra treats in between these occasions. She proudly attended school programs, athletic events, graduations and weddings. She was the epitome of South Carolina culture and tradition, and took great joy in the many memorable summer family gatherings at her beach house on Kiawah Island, SC. She treated her grandchildren to endless applications of sunscreen lotion, lazy days making sandcastles, boogie board surfing, alligator spotting, catching crabs, biking the winding island trails and discovering secret lagoons. One of her favorite ways to end the day was with a Low Country Boil. It’s an understatement that Bette knew how to make an impression, and the memories of her bigger-than-life personality will live on with her family and friends forever. Special thanks to Sherrill Robbins and Savanah Reeder. Sherrill and Savanah spent many hours with Bette taking her to her hair appointments, out for fun lunches, and shopping – one of Bette’s favorite activities, providing consistent companionship while she was still in her home, and later when she was in assisted living. Thanks also to the loving caregivers at Clemson Downs. They provided a safe, joy-filled environment that made Bette feel comfortable and cared for. Bette is survived by her daughters, Miriam Pugliese (Tim), of Dallas, Texas, Robin Bridges (Patti) of Liberty, South Carolina, and Melanie Kristinik (Larry) of Columbia, South Carolina; a sister, Miriam Nicholson of Gaithersburg, Maryland; six grandchildren, John Pugliese (Lauren), Tim Pugliese, Jr (Jenna), Laurel Thrash (Andrew), Katherine Kristinik, Robert Kristinik, and Camille Kristinik; two great grandchildren, Bear Pugliese and Ford Thrash; a special niece; and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Ellen and Elmore Ivey, and husband Dr. Byron Kent Bridges. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Memorial United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. David Smith. Visitation will be held after the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 N. Main Street, Greer, SC 29650 or online https://onrealm.org/MemorialUnitedM/-/form/give/now or to Greer Community Ministries, P.O. Box 1373, Greer, SC 29652 or online https://www.greercommunityministriessc.com Condolences or your favorite memory of Bette may be left for the family by visiting www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Bette Bridges

February 23, 1935 - May 20, 2025