Mrs Mae Cathel Bridges' Obituary
On March 16, 1925, in Barnett, Mississippi, Gilbert McKenzie and Jurisha Barnett McKenzie was blessed with a "Precious Gift" and they named her Mae Cathel McKenzie. Mae received her early education in a Jasper County (one room) School house, and later received her certification in Cosmetology from the McMurphy School of Beauty here in Meridian. She met and married the "love of her life" Howard Bridges, Sr. in 1948 and to this union three children were born. Her husband and Howard Bridges, Jr., her stepson, preceded her in death. As a child she and her family were members of John the Baptist Missionary Baptist Church in Barnett, however she was a faithful member of First Union Missionary Baptist Church, until her health failed. She loved her church and was dedicated to the Adult Sunday School Class; Vice-president of the Missionary Society and Chair person of the Kitchen Con1mittee. She was also a member of the Council of Organizations XYZ Club. "Big Mama" had awesome culinary skills. The kitchen was her favorite place to be, at cht.irch and at home. Cooking was her passion and she wanted everyone to enjoy what she had prepared, because she had prepared all of her mf:als and dishes with love. She worked for the Meridian Public School District in Food Services for 28 years as an experienced cook. : She loved children. “Brandon Bridges, if you go outside with your hair wet, you gonna mess around and get the seven (7) day pneumonia and on the eighth day you ain't gone be among the living."
"Hot the Blues in my Kitchen", Yvonne! God won't forgive me ifhe knew the words I really want to use." and don't you forget Allen and Earnest “I’m looking for my senior citizen discount". To say that Mae loved her family, would be a severe understatement. Family was at the core of who she was and she dedicated her life to taking care of not only her own family but also the family of others. She lived a full life filled with devoted service and love. "Mae Katherine" as she was sometimes called was also preceded in death, by her parents, her brother Gaython and sisters, Christine Bender and Kolie Kire Evans. Her "Sweet Spirit" and unconditional love will be remembered by her sons Allen Gilbert, Earnest Charles and his wife Tasha; daughter, Yvonne Jurisha; three grandchildren, Zerian, Brandon and his wife Daphne and Danielle Marika; one great granddaughter, Danielle Elaine; sister, Dorothy Husband; aunt, Dora Lee Barnett; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Mae?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mae?
Share a story where Mae's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mae you’ll never forget.
How did Mae make you smile?