Susan Bartels Bridgers

August 15, 1955 - March 23, 2022

Buncombe Street United Methodist Church

200 Buncombe Street

Greenville, SC 29601

Monday 3/28, 4:00 pm

Buncombe Street United Methodist Church

200 Buncombe Street

Greenville, SC 29601

Monday 3/28, 3:00 pm

Those unable to attend may view the live stream at: https://www.buncombestreetumc.org/funerals

Susan Bartels Reid Bridgers, 66, loving wife of Joseph Britt Bridgers, died on March 23, 2022 after a courageous four-year battle with cancer.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 15, 1955, Susan was a daughter of Ms. Doris Lang Lubker of Greenville and Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Lee Bartels of Smyrna, GA. As a teenager, Susan moved to Greenville, SC with her family. She graduated from JL Mann High School and the University of South Carolina.

Susan was well-known for raising five sons and being a mother figure to many others. Her dinner table was always packed. With their many friends, her sons spent time at most every house in Greenville, making Susan uniquely familiar with the local housing market. It was only fitting that Susan later became a successful real estate agent with CB Caine.

Susan was a generous friend and constantly gave back to her church and community. She was a member of countless organizations throughout her lifetime, including serving as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at her church and being a leader with the Greenville High School Booster Club. In the last several years, Susan served on the Advisory Board of Clement’s Kindness, an organization very near and dear to her heart.

Susan was an active member of Buncombe Street United Methodist Church for many years. In recent years, her faith in Christ grew even stronger and she loved attending St. Paul’s Anglican Church with her husband and BSUMC’s Trinity Campus with her mother.

Susan had an unmatched energy for life and was never content to sit still, even up until her final days. From sunrise walks with friends to open houses, Susan’s days were also spent caring for her mother and spending quality time with her grandchildren, who lovingly called her Susu.

Susan was preceded in death by her first husband, Mr. Thomas Preston Reid.

Surviving in addition to her husband and parents are her five sons, Jacob Preston Reid (Harley) of Greenville; Bennett Bartels Reid of Pittsburgh, PA; Thomas Hunt “Hunter” Reid (May), Patrick John Reid (Casey) and William Kelsey Reid (Bailey), all of Greenville; step-daughters, Rachel Lyle Bridgers of Greenville, Sherrod Bridgers Law (Jeremy) of Columbia, SC, and Ellis Hutchison Bridgers of York, England, UK; a sister, Jeri Bartels Blair (Lee) of Weaverville, NC; Sisters-in-law, Anne Bryan Hanson (Phillip) of Charlotte, NC, and Mary Sherrod Abrahamson (Kent) of Chicago, IL; Brothers-in-law, Grover Eugene “Raz” Reid, Jr. (Kerry) of Hilton Head, SC and Kenneth Andrew Reid (Jane) of Greenville; twelve grandchildren, Annabelle, Hudson, Bennett, Davis, Miller, Bruce, Andrew, Leila, Kathryn Belle, Eliza, Kemp and Charlie Reid; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday, March 28, 2022 with a reception immediately following at the Buncombe Street United Methodist Church – Downtown Campus. Those unable to attend in person may view a live stream of the service at https://www.buncombestreetumc.org/funerals

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clement’s Kindness, 630 E Washington St, Suite A, Greenville, SC 29601 or www.clementskindness.org.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” on the main obituary page.

Buncombe Street United Methodist Church

200 Buncombe Street

Greenville, SC 29601

Map

Monday 3/28, 4:00 pm

Buncombe Street United Methodist Church

200 Buncombe Street

Greenville, SC 29601

Map

Monday 3/28, 3:00 pm

Those unable to attend may view the live stream at: https://www.buncombestreetumc.org/funerals

Susan Bartels Reid Bridgers, 66, loving wife of Joseph Britt Bridgers, died on March 23, 2022 after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 15, 1955, Susan was a daughter of Ms. Doris Lang Lubker of Greenville and Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Lee Bartels of Smyrna, GA. As a teenager,Continue Reading

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It was with much sadness and sorrow I read in the Greenville News of the death of Susan Bartels Reid Bridgers. To especially Hunter and Patrick, who were second graders of mine at Augusta Circle: your Mom was a delight in every way I encountered her - as your Mom, a PTA volunteer, an active member of the Augusta Circle community. The obit described her very well: an excellent mother, generous friend, a giver-back, successful real estate agent, unmatched energy, never sitting still. Not only will she be very much missed by ALL her family members but there is a vacant spot in our community where she once served/ stood tall. Love, "Mrs. Elliott"

I will always cherish the memories I have of Mrs. Susan and the kindness she and her family showed me when I was a young man, far from home. As a friend of one the younger Reid boys, I don’t think I ever saw the house with less than 10 young men encamped or foraging. How she did it I have no idea, but Susan made sure we ate well, had a nice place to sleep, and enjoyed all the comforts of home while Preston, pipe in hand, benignantly supervised. When you were at the Reid home it wasn’t that you felt like you were family, you knew you were. Jacob, Bennett, Hunter, Patrick, and Kelsey, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was an incredible woman who clearly touched the lives of many, including her five, fine sons. I know she touched my life, and I only knew her slightly. Mr. Bridgers, we have never met, but I have heard from Patrick what a kind man you are and how lucky Susan was to find you. You have my deepest condolences. Susan was a woman of principle and faith, and among the most generous and kind people I met while in a State that is famous for its kindness and generosity. May she rest in peace, and may her loved ones find comfort in their faith and the fine example of her life. Andy Kelly

My sincere prayers to all the family. I worked with Susan at the Greenville Chamber and knew Preston as a friend and attorney. May God bless all of you. To the Reid boys: Your Mom and Dad taking you to San Franciso inspired me to visit also. And I have never forgotten that.

RIP Susan.

Hunter and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I will always remember your mom with such a radiant, warm smile. My heart goes out to all of you

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

When I was selling my parents’ house, Susan was such a pleasure to deal with and very helpful. She was also a wonderful mom and grandmother. What an amazing legacy she has left behind in all of you. Prayers for the entire family.

Susan was always such a kind person and a bright light. I was in school with Bennett from early childhood until college & remove her from various school/PTA things. I used to run into Susan on walks around the neighborhood and she always had her bright, beautiful smile on her face and a few friendly words to say. She will be greatly missed. Praying for all you boys & those that loved Susan.

I will never forget all the memories we were so fortunate to share on Edisto St. Your momma and dad were a match made in heaven and I loved their life pre-sons, too. My fondest memory was how Susan could effortlessly multi-task. I remember one of the first visits, both washing machines were running and the phone rang while she was getting lunch ready. She was helping the church member on the phone with a recipe for the church recipe book, still while preparing plates and you fellas were running around with squirt guns, pulling the dishwasher door down to climb on countertop to refill your guns. She never became distracted and continued her conversation without missing a beat. I walked back to my parents thinking what an incredible mother and I had to figure out a better way to “mother” my 2 children! You guys were so loved and more than once she told me how she thrived on the day to day adventures and there was never a dull moment just purpose and opportunities! My biggest regret is not telling her how incredible a person and mother she was and inspired me to this day! I watched the beautiful service online today and know she and your dad are dancing in each other’s arms. If any of you are in the lowcountry and need a home cooked meal or place to stay our lights will be on for you💙 XOXO Becky

Jerry, So sorry to hear about the passing of Susan. We know you are devastated with this sad news and we will be praying for you and your family. If there is anything you need please let us know. Love Harold & Judy Bevis

Susan was always kind and positive. She will be missed by so many! I often went to her for parenting son's advice and always left with a smile. My condolences to all of her precious family but I know she will live on in everyone's hearts.

To The Bridgers and Reid Families - - My sincerest of condolences go out to you at this moment. I was fortunate to know Susan through the past 30 years and always found her to be a significantly caring and "upbeat" person. She had a gift for communicating with others so that you easily understood her. When Susan spoke, people listened. The world is indeed a better place because of the many positive attributes of Susan. Sincerely - - - Richard Hardaway Greenville, SC

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Susan had such a kind and gentle spirit. We were blessed to have known her. Sincerely, Brent & Susan Kanipe & Family

Eddy, Ed, Josh and I are so sorry about Susan. Even though she is in a much better place, it is so difficult to lose such a vital part of your family. We love and treasure your family so much! Ya'll have always been the most supportive, loving , caring family. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you all. God bless you!

Our deepest Condolences are sent to the Bridgers family. We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your family.- Willie & Sherry Seawright

Susan will be remembered in our hearts as a wonderful person - always a friend, a willing volunteer, a successful professional and a fabulous mom. We are so very sorry for your loss. -- Dodie and Ric Davis

Jacob, Bennett, Hunter, Patrick, and Kelsey my thoughts are with you all. Your mom was an amazing woman as you all know. I wish I could be there to celebrate her life with you all. Thank you for the memories that I will never forget. V/R Shawn Flanagan

Susan was such a sweet, caring mother to her own boys, and also a mother figure to so many of their friends. I was so fortunate to be one of those friends. My memories of her will always be of a gentle, kind, person of peace who loved others so well. I pray The Lord’s peace for her boys, my life-long friends, the Reids right now. -Chris Carter

Susan set the bar high in all aspects of life but most especially as a mother. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Susan was the epitome of grace and strength, and it has been my honor to be among her friends for the past 18 years. She has been a constant source of love, support, wisdom, and positive energy to me personally, and I’m sure to everyone who knew her. She had the unique ability to make everything she did look effortless, whether it was cooking for 20 people or weeding her garden. Susan showed up, she put others before herself, and she never backed down from a challenge. She faced this final battle of her life with such faith, strength, and quiet determination – it was something to witness, and I will never forget her example of how to face the biggest challenges. Susan readily shared her faith, and I know beyond a shadow of doubt that she is now with her Lord and Savior. I will miss her more than I can say, and my heartfelt condolences go out to her family – she loved you all so much.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.