Helen Goldman Bridges

Helen Goldman Bridges, age 67, of Bowman, Georgia, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026, in Elberton, Georgia.

Helen was born on June 11, 1959, in Washington, Georgia, and was the daughter of the late Benjamin J. and Mary Jo Edmunds Goldman. She grew up in the Amity Community of Lincoln County, where she learned the values of hard work, determination that guided her throughout her life. Helen was a proud graduate of Lincoln County High School, where her aptitude was recognized early and she was allowed to skip the 11th grade. She graduated with the class of 1976 and was married just a month later at age 16 to Wade Bridges, beginning a lifelong partnership that remained central to her life. Their marriage was a lasting example of devotion and companionship. This coming Friday would have marked their 50th wedding anniversary. Together, they were devoted Georgia Bulldogs fans and followed all of the sports they played. They especially enjoyed attending the Georgia-Florida football game, which they did for 14 consecutive years. Their shared love of Bulldogs sports was one of many joys in a life filled with loyalty, laughter, and steadfast love.

Helen was a woman who worked all of the time and never sat down. She was known for being in charge, fiercely independent, plain spoken, spirited, and witty. Those who knew her best appreciated her direct nature and her lively personality, which made her both memorable and deeply loved. She brought energy and purpose to everything she did, and she approached life with a strong will and a clear sense of direction. Her creative spirit was evident in the many ways she used her talents to serve others and make special occasions even more meaningful. She was Methodist and carried her faith quietly.

Throughout her working life, Helen held several jobs. She worked for Dupont in Athens, then for Digital Computer Equipment and BellSouth as a collections agent. Helen later owned and operated Flowers and More in Winterville for several years, where her creativity and eye for detail shined. She eventually brought that same talent into a wedding and events decorating business operated from her home in Bowman. She was a gifted floral designer, and Christmas decor was her specialty. She loved her some bling, and her style reflected her lively personality and her appreciation for beauty, sparkle, and celebration. Recently, she decorated for the LCHS Junior Senior Prom, continuing to share her gifts with the community she grew up in. She enjoyed dancing and could cut a rug with the best of them. Motown hits, The Four Tops, and Elvis were among her favorite music, and she found joy in the rhythm and energy of songs that matched her spirited nature. She enjoyed smoking cigarettes and smoked Winston Lights for years, a habit that was simply one of the many details that made her uniquely Helen.

She is survived by her husband, Calvin Wade Bridges; daughter, Amanda Olivia Bridges and her friend Jordan of Elberton; brothers, John S. Goldman and wife Julie of N. Augusta, SC, Gerald Goldman and wife Carol of Lincolnton; grandson, Aubrey Brooks White; mother-in-law, Peggy Nun Shockley and her best friend from childhood Abbe Rowland. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary Janice Dawkins, Ben Goldman and Nellie McGee.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 2 pm at St Paul Church of Lincolnton. Interment followed in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Elberton.

Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Helen Goldman Bridges

Announcement courtesy of Berry Funeral Home.