Marion Berry Bridger

Marion G. Berry Bridger, 93, of Jonesboro, died Wednesday at Craighead County Nursing Home in Jonesboro.

Marion was born in Jonesboro and lived much of her life here. She was one of the princesses who helped dedicate the original bridge over the St. Francis River at Lake City.

She was a homemaker and member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. She was a member of St. Bernards Medical Center Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, and in 2005 was crowned Senior Ms. Northeast Arkansas in the 80-89 age category.

Marion was an avid Arkansas Razorback fan. Prior to a heart valve replacement procedure in 1992, Coach Nolan Richardson kindly contacted her with best wishes for a speedy recovery.

She was the granddaughter of Chief L.D. Hickey and Coe Lane Hickey. Chief Hickey was the founder, first Chief and longest-serving Chief of the Jonesboro Fire Department. It was a great pleasure for her to speak at the dedication of the Jonesboro Central Fire Department on Johnson Avenue several years ago. She loved the Jonesboro Fire Department and was featured in a story written by Curt Hodges, long-time feature writer. She told of her memories of the early years of the JFD and was so pleased to be able to share her memories with the community.

She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Hank Berry, Sr. and Sybil Hickey Berry; Husband, Rex A. Bridger; brothers: Hank Berry, Jr. and Michael Berry; and sister-in-law: Laverne Berry.

Survivors include: Her daughter and son-in-law: Judy A. and Jim Furr of Jonesboro; Her son: Michael A. Bridger of Millington, Tennessee;

Grandchildren: Nickolas Furr and Liza Smith of Chula Vista, California, Neil and Denise Furr of Boca Raton, Florida, and Nate and Kelly Furr of Jonesboro;

Great grandsons: Austin Sowers and Grant Furr of Boca Raton, and Tylar Furr of Jonesboro; Great granddaughter, Reilly Furr of Jonesboro;

Sister-in-law: Kay Anderson of Las Vegas;

Nieces: Donna Harris of Eureka Springs, Jean Herzog of Placentia, California, and Jane Stephens of Keota, Oklahoma; A very special niece-in-law: Lundie Bridger of Jonesboro;

Nephews: Bill Bridger of Roanoke, Virginia, Ray Bridger of Gainesville, Georgia, Phil Bridger of Jonesboro, Billy Berry of League City, Texas and Andy Berry of Lafayette, California;

Cousin: Dr. Tommy Hickey of Memphis.

And also many great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 10:30 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Rev. Ken Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park.

Members of the Jonesboro Fire Department will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held Saturday morning, 9:30-10:30, prior to the service.

For lasting memorials, the family kindly requests that consideration be given to the Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial, c/o Asst. Chief Kevin Miller, 3215 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401.

To View: MEMORIAL VIDEO