Willie Mae Bridges Mounts, age 79, passed away September 24, 2013 at her home in Marion, Ohio after an extended illness.
She was born September 24, 1934 in Carthage, MS to William Wesley Bridges and Lille Mae Morgan Bridges.
Willie grew up in rural Leake County, MS, received her elementary education at Barnes Grammar School and graduated from Barnes High School in 1952. After working for a summer in Jackson, MS for Primos Restaurants as a cashier, Willie entered Itawamba Community College in Fulton, MS. While at Itawamba Willie had a band scholarship, playing the French horn. She majored in business, emphasizing accounting. While attending Itawamba, Willie worked in the Registrar’s office at the college during the school year and at the College & Specialist Bureau in Memphis, TN during the summer.
After graduating from Itawamba, Willie went to work for the U.S. Property & Fiscal Officer for the State of MS, Jackson, MS where she was a payroll clerk. While working for the USP & FO in Jackson, Willie took some night classes at Millsap’s College to further her education.
After a couple of years Willie felt the urge to relocate and try something different. Willie applied for a job as Private Secretary to the District Sales Manager with the Aluminum Company of America in Memphis, TN. She worked this job for several years. While working for the Aluminum Company of America, Willie took several college classes from Memphis State University. Also, while working at the Aluminum Company of America, Willie attended Patricia Stevens Career and Finishing School and received her certificate from there.
The Aluminum Company of America office was plush and very professional, but after about three years, Willie’s old desire to see more of the country surfaced and she resigned this job. Willie took a job working for Empire Producing Company out of Kansas City, MO. She directed home-town talent shows, working through hometown service clubs. This job involved a lot of travel and fed Willie’s desire to see more of the country.
Willie worked on this job until she met Carl J. Mounts, while working on a project in Marion, Ohio. Carl & Willie were married August 28, 1959 in Trinity Baptist Church in Marion. Carl, Willie & Carl’s nine year old son, Steve, made their home in Marion, Ohio.
Willie went to work for the Quaker Oats Company as a secretary. While working full-time and often long hours at Quaker, Willie took college classes at Marion Tech, Ohio State University and Ashland University. Willie received a B.S., B.A. and M.B.A. from Ashland University. Willie was promoted to Office Supervisor and then to Engineering Administrator.
Willie worked for the Quaker Oats Company until the decision was made to close the Marion Quaker Plant. Willie was on the closing team for the plant closing. Willie’s last day at the Quaker plant was August 31, 1990, retiring after 31 plus years of service. During Willie’s last day at Quaker she rode a golf cart throughout the empty buildings, remembering the activities that were no more and listening to the echoes of emptiness.
Willie was a covenant member of Dayspring Wesleyan Church in Marion and the SonSeekers Sunday School Class. She was also a member of the Quaker Quarter Century Club, past member of Creator’s Guild and past member of the Marion Area Rental Property Association.
Willie is survived by her husband; Carl J. Mounts of Marion, one son; Steven Carl Mounts (Judy) of Columbus, three grandchildren; Tiffany Brooke Mounts Baker (Scott) of Hiram, Ohio, Jennifer Beth Mounts Downey (Mike) of Lake Forest, California and Matthew Lewis Radicelli (Kristen) of Twinsburg, Ohio, three brothers; Perry Hilburn Bridges (Laura) of Wiggins, MS, Author Raymond Bridges (Helen) of Bonnaire, GA and Forrest Milton Bridges (Janice) of Philadelphia, MS, ten great-grandchildren; Emily Mae Baker of Hiram, Ohio, Madelyn Anne Baker of Hiram, Ohio, Noah Scott Baker of Hiram, Ohio, Josiah Alexander Baker of Hiram, Ohio, Lydia Rae Baker of Hiram, Ohio, Michael Sheridan Downey of Lake Forest, CA, Cecelia Rose Radicelli of Twinsburg, Ohio, Lillian Margaret Radicelli of Twinsburg, Ohio, five nieces and one nephew; Elizabeth Anne Bridges Baulch of Prattville, AL, John Raymond Bridges (Heather) of Lawrenceville, GA, Sherry Anne Bridges Clitheroe of Huntington Beach, CA,Linda Anne Bridges Garvey (Tim) of Huntington Beach, CA, Nancy Leticia Bridges Barnett of Byram, MS and Cynthia Gay Bridges Deaton of Canton, MS. Willie is also survived by numerous cousins, other relatives and friends.
Willie was preceded in death by her loving parents; William Wesley Bridges and Lillie Mae Morgan Bridges of Carthage, MS and two beloved sisters-in-law; Freddie Jane Bridges of Philadelphia, MS and Anna Marie Bridges of Huntington Beach, CA.
In keeping with Willie’s wishes, no calling hours will be observed. Graveside rites will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Pine Grove Church of God Cemetery-Edinburg in Carthage, MS where her parents and other deceased loved ones are buried.
Memorials may be made to Dayspring Wesleyan Church Building Fund, 2431 Marion-Mt. Gilead Road, Marion, Ohio, 43302 and expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to her family by logging onto www.hughesallen.com and opening her obituary. Arrangements were handled for her family by the Hughes-Allen Funeral Home.
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