Sharon Gale Wesson Bridger

Sharon Gale Wesson Bridger passed peacefully into the eternal embrace of Jesus Christ and her ever-beloved husband, Robert “Buddy” Bridger, in her 85th year on February 6, 2024 in Shreveport. A memorial service at First Methodist Church in Shreveport will be held in the main sanctuary on Monday, February 19 at 2:00 PM. A burial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Greenwood Cemetery (Colvin Street), Ruston, Louisiana 71270. 

Gale was pre-deceased by her “Prince Charming” husband, Buddy, her parents Corrie (née Bennett) and George Wesson, her in-laws, Nettie (née Jones) and Stewart Bridger, her beloved sister, Dawn Wesson Cooper, and many other relatives and dear friends, whom she loved and also looked forward to seeing again in Heaven.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey Bridger and his wife, Hope (née Sanders); grandsons, Samuel and William, and many other extended family members and dear friends, not named here for brevity and in fear we would leave someone out.  Know that Gale would not forget anyone and is waiting for all of us in Heaven.

Gale grew up in the Ruston area, where she met and fell in love with Buddy at Ruston High School. They married shortly after Gale graduated.  Buddy joined the Army, 82nd Airborne Division, then entered Ranger School where he met his untimely accidental demise shortly after the birth of their son, Jeffrey. Gale and Jeffrey returned to Ruston, living with her parents until she finished her Bachelor’s Degree at Louisiana Tech and gained teacher certification (inspired by her mother-in-law, Nettie Bridger, an exceptional educator in her own right).

Gale moved to Shreveport to begin her career as an educator, notably teaching English and Creative Writing at Byrd High School and serving as faculty sponsor for Z Club and Cheerleaders in the early 1960s.  The loving home she made for herself and son became a haven for many of “Mrs. B’s” students to discuss pressing issues of that time and expand their horizons in music and other arts.  On the opening of Captain Shreve High School, she became one of its original teachers and advanced to the position of academic coordinator, while also earning a Masters in Secondary Education through Louisiana Tech.  Gale earned her Doctorate in Education at the University of Mississippi in 1974.

In 1975, she advanced to Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Professional Laboratory Experiences.  She was promoted and received tenure in 1980. In addition to her faculty rank, she served in administrative roles, including Coordinator of Graduate Studies, Director of Institutional Research and Planning, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs for University Planning, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. She attempted to retire in 1992. However, Gale returned to LSUS, serving as Interim Dean of the College of Education from 1994-1995 and continuing to teach as an adjunct instructor until returning to retirement in 2004.    She endowed the Wesson-Bridger scholarship and professorship in education at LSUS in honor of her parents and mother-in-law.  Her contributions throughout Louisiana’s public education system and especially in the Caddo and Bossier area, including legions of educators she encouraged and trained, would take volumes to list.

When she did finally retire, Gale took the opportunity to become more active in First Methodist Church, where she and Jeffrey had been members since 1964. At First Methodist, Gale served on nearly every board and committee, chairing many, providing even-tempered guidance in decision-making with her intelligence, work ethic, strong faith, and reliance upon God. The pastors and church came to rely upon her leadership as they made pastoral transitions and created visions for the future. Her influence stretched over the generations as so many, young and old, came to value her wise counsel.

Gale also pursued her passion for travel, the arts, and history, taking numerous trips, including to Russia, China, Egypt, southern Africa, Israel, most of Europe, Machu Pichu, Easter Island, and of course, most of the USA, including theater trips to New York, Chicago, and Branson with close friends. Gale had been active in supporting the arts in Shreveport and especially valued the work of the Emmett Hook Center and enjoyed classic film presentations at the Robinson Film Center.  Gale joined P.E.O. Chapter B in 2010 and true to form, was active and took on responsibilities of Chaplain, Treasurer, and President of the chapter.

At home, Gale was a loving, devoted mother, grandmother, sibling, aunt, and friend; an avid gardener, traveler, thoughtful and active neighbor, and an exceptional cook, who generously celebrated every holiday with delicious, varied baked goods and the cheer of abundant life, lived under the ultimate authority of Christ. While we mourn that she is no longer physically with us, we rejoice that she is reunited with loved ones who have gone before and with her Lord in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Gale’s devotion to the church and the community, all are encouraged to pray for and give to the charitable and educational institutions of their choice. Donations to The Wesson-Bridger Endowed Professorship in Teacher Education are welcomed through LSUSFoundation.org or may be addressed to LSUS Foundation, 1 University Place, Shreveport, LA 71115.