In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the time comes to each human being when earthly ties must be broken and transformed from mortal to immortal.  This moment came to Thelma Eujean Sapp Bridges on March 17, 2014.

Ms. Thelma Eujean Sapp Bridges was born on April 9, 1922, in Jamestown, NC to the late William and Mamie McCollum Sapp.  Thelma was preceded in death by, her husband, Reverend John R. Bridges, and two brothers, Everett and William Sapp.

Thelma attended Winston Salem Teachers College (now Winston Salem State University) where she graduated in 1945, with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education.  She received her Master of Science Degree in Rural Education from Agricultural and Technical College (now A&T State University) in 1956, and subsequently went on to study for her Doctorate Degree in Education.

Thelma dedicated her life to education and teaching.  She taught elementary through high school and finally became Supervisor of Guilford County Schools.  She also worked for the State of North Carolina Department of Education. Thelma was an active and dedicated member of Turner A.M.E. Church in Jamestown, NC, and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

She met and married Reverend John R. Bridges and supported him during his numerous appointments to AME churches across the State of North Carolina.  With this union, she welcomed the daughter of Reverend Bridges, Judy Bridges, into her family.  As the first lady during his pastoral tenure, she served in many capacities in the church. She was especially dedicated and focused on her missionary work. She received numerous awards in recognition of her dedication and commitment to the AME Church.Thelma loved her family and friends passionately.

She leaves to cherish her memories and unfailing love to her loving sister, Ruby S. Green of Washington, DC; her stepdaughter, Judy Bridges of Winston Salem, NC; three nephews, her faithful and dedicated caregiver, Adrian Joseph Green of Winston Salem, NC,  COL Allen L. Green, III (USA, RET) (Kathryn) of Voorhees, NJ, and Stephfone Sapp (Jackie) of High Point NC; one great-nephew, Dwayne L. Toatley of Minneapolis, MN; two nieces, Gail Sapp Toatley (Robert) of Eden Prairie, MN and April Nicole Sapp of High Point, NC; two great-nieces, Dr. Whitney M. Green, M.D. of Baltimore, MD and Ajaya Denise Green of Bowie, MD; a special cousin, Bessie of Greensboro, NC, and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, March 22, 2014 at St. James AME Church with Rev. Steven Lyons officiating.  Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park.  The family visitation will be held from 11am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.