Norma Bridges

Norma Joyce Sharp Bridges, 78, passed away Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, at Etowah Health Care in Etowah. A lifelong resident of McMinn County, she was the daughter of the late William Lawrence and Doran Craig Sharp and was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Ann Bridges on Dec. 18, 2008. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Athens and a member of the Evening Pilot Club of Athens. She retired from the McMinn County School System, after 30 years of service, as a teachers assistant at Calhoun Elementary School and Riceville Elementary School. She was an avid U.T. Sports fan. Survivors, include her husband of 59 years, William Joseph "Joe" Bridges of Riceville; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Judy Bridges of Athens; three grandchildren and spouses, Nina Marie Johnson and Josh, Joshua Steve Bridges and Jeannie, and William Jeffery Bridges and Tara; two great -grandchildren, Evan Johnson and Miles "Little Joe" Johnson; aunt, Bernice Riley; several nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of life service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Wright officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, at Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home prior to the service. Those wishing may make memorial contributions In Memory of Norma to the Evening Pilot Club of Athens, P.O. Box 23, Athens, TN 37371-0023. Those unable to attend may send condolences at www.laycock-hobbs.com. Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tenn., is in charge of arrangements.