Theresa Bridges Wilson's Obituary
Theresa Bridges Wilson was born in Blanchard, Oklahoma on July 19, 1928 to Ivy and Myrtle Bridges as the only girl among four siblings, and she died on July 18, 2016 at her home surrounded by her beloved nieces and caregivers in Longview, TX. She grew up in a very close-knit family that taught her all about hard work and how to make a legendary coconut cream pie. She met her husband, Arthur Wilson, while working at Crown Drug Store where he came in to buy a goose liver sandwich and cup of coffee for $.20 each day, and they were married on August 23rd of 1947. The couple traveled through several states and towns moving every 3-6 months with Art’s job in the oil field.
What was already an adventure became even more exciting as they welcomed their first son, Steve Alan, in 1950 and their second son, Charles Guy, in 1954. In addition to watching her own children grow, she was very active in the lives of her nieces and nephews who lovingly nicknamed her “Tesa.”
She became a working mom in 1962 when she began her real estate career as a licensed agent and then as a broker a few years later. Theresa truly loved finding the right house for each family she worked with, and enjoyed a very prosperous career. After serving as president of the Longview Board of Realtors in 1983 she was named Realtor of the Year in 1984.
After 26 years in real estate, she and Art enjoyed retirement and traveled as often as possible. Some of the most memorable experiences were their anniversary trip to Europe, Washington D.C. where Art laid a wreath at the tomb of The Unknown Soldier, Hawaii with her niece, Chandra, and Disney World with her grandchildren. In addition to traveling, she was a very active member of Greggton First Baptist Church where she was a gifted Sunday School teacher and led several specialized Bible studies.
Theresa’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She faced heartbreak after heartbreak when she lost both of her sons and her husband of sixty-one years to cancer within a few short years of each other. She did not know how she could carry on, but she found hope through her faith and the promises of The Bible. She clung to Deuteronomy 3:22 which reminded her that God was constantly fighting for her and Lamentations 3:31-33, which reads “For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction to anyone.” Her faith and hope are her greatest legacy left to her numerous family and friends, and her life is a true testimony of perseverance.
Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Ivy and Myrtle Bridges, three brothers, Coye, Joe, and Jerry Bridges, brother-in-law, Thurmon Wilson, sister-in-law Grace Wilson, husband, Art Wilson, and sons Steve and Charles Wilson.
Mrs. Wilson is survived by her daughters-in-law Gail Wilson, of Kilgore, and Jana Wilson, of McKinney, Grandchildren Cara Jo and husband Cole McQueen of College Station, Evan Wilson of McKinney, and Sarah Wilson of Lubbock, Three great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy and kept her young at heart, Brooklyn Kate, Riley Cole, and Brenlee Jo McQueen of College Station, Her sister-in-law Lorene Bridges and children Cheryl and husband Harry McConnell, Christi and husband Dewayne Buller, Chandra and husband Michael Stroope, and Jeffrey and wife Rhonda Bridges and many great nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Kay Bridges and sons Terry, Gregg, and Phil, brother-in-law Joe Wilson, many cherished friends, and a beloved church family and Sunday School class. Theresa has taught many lessons about Heaven, and she was looking forward to meeting Jesus face to face and reuniting with her loved ones.
What’s your fondest memory of Theresa ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Theresa ?
Share a story where Theresa 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Theresa you’ll never forget.
How did Theresa make you smile?
