Mary Denese Short Bridges was born March 4, 1955, in Bogalusa, to her loving parents the late Tom and Elnora Short. She was the youngest of 11 siblings.

Denese, affectionately known as Denese or Neat, was educated in the Bogalusa City School System. She graduated from Bogalusa High School in May of 1973. She obtained her Master’s Degree from Loyola University and Ph.D. from the University of Florida. She was a studious young lady with strong Christian values. Denese was passionate about helping others in her community and working in the church.

Denese married her soulmate, Walter Bridges Sr., on March 3, 2001. Their love for each other in sickness and in health is undisputable. They remained connected in their vows until her return to our heavenly father’s house. Denese accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Salper Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Bogalusa. She was member of Tulane Memorial Baptist Church in New Orleans.

Denese participated and distributed her talents and services while in high school to the Beta Club, Pep Squad, Student Council, Advisory Board, Timberland Talk Staff, Homeroom Representative, B.O.S.S. Member, Safety Council, and the Y’s team. She was the recipient of the Speech Award and the American Legion award while in high school.

Denese entered Southeastern Louisiana University in the fall of 1973. Her passion was to become a teacher. She graduated in 1977 from Southeastern with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She became a loyal and loving charter member of the Alpha Angel group in 1975 and a charter member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority-Lamdba Omicron Omega Chapter on May 14, 1977, at Southeastern.

After graduation from Southeastern, Denese taught in the Bogalusa City School System. Thereafter, she made her move to New Orleans.

She was employed by Total Community Action as a Coordinator/Director over Senior Citizens programs located in Central City. Her next employment move took her to Dillard University. She worked in various positions on the campus from the Provost Office to Assistant Vice President for Facility Management.

Denese was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Elnora Short; and siblings, Curtis Short, Tommie Lee Short, Fermon Short, Jerome Short, Gloria Dyson and Josephine McClain.

She is survived by living siblings, Donald (Charlotte) Short of Reserve, Willie (Pamela) Short of Alexandria, Sadie Tate of Bogalusa, Annie Smith of Slidell, and Adrean (Willie) Batiste of Bogalusa; and sister-in-law, Georgia Short (wife of deceased brother Jerome Short).

She also leaves to mourn: her step children, Walter Bridges II and Tye Bridges; grandsons, Tre Bridges and Trevor Bridges; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at the Lawless Chapel located on the campus of Dillard University at 2601 Gentilly Blvd. in New Orleans. Viewing will begin at 10 a.m. with an Ivy Beyond The Wall Ceremony at 11 a.m., followed by the funeral at noon.

There will be a viewing on Sunday, March 3, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cook-Richmond in Bogalusa.

Cook-Richmond of Bogalusa is in charge of services. Interment will be at Southeast La. Veterans Cemetery in Slidell.