Pearl Marie Bridges, 85, of Du Quoin, passed away at 5:55 A.M., Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at the Skilled Care Unit of Pinckneyville Community Hospital in Pinckneyville.
Pearl was an active member of Du Quoin Second Baptist Church.  During the 1950's, she entertained local audiences portraying Grand Ole Opry star Minnie Pearl in the group, Bailey's Barnyard Brigade.  She was an in-home caregiver for many years in addition to working as a nurse at the Pinckneyville Community Hospital.  She also will be remembered as the First Aid coordinator at the Du Quoin State Fair.
She was born October 7, 1919 at Tamaroa, IL, the daughter of Sam and Gladys (Sheriff) Quinn.
She married Lester Bridges on February 7, 1937 at Tamaroa, IL and he preceded her in death on June 29, 1988.
She is survived by one son - Robert Bridges and wife Carol of Du Quoin, one daughter - Janet Batteau and husband John of Du Quoin, two half brothers - Kenneth Quinn and Gerald Quinn, both of Sterling, IL, four grandchildren - Glen Bridges and Robbie Bridges, both of Du Quoin, Dana Jackson and husband Dennis of Sunfield, and Michael Walker of Pinckneyville, five great grandchildren - Erica Harris and husband Keith, Amy Bridges, Kalin Bridges, Matt Jackson and Nathan Jackson, and one great great grandchild - Carli Mae Harris.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one infant son - Jimmie Lee Bridges, one half sister - Opal Becker and one half brother - Sam Quinn Jr.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, May 28, 2005 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Silas Morgan officiating.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 P.M., Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Interment will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to the Second Baptist Church Building Fund or to Pinckneyville Skilled Care Unit and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.
