Laura Vertell Clifton Bridgewater, 72, of Jacksonville, Florida transitioned into eternal life on Monday, February 22, 2010.

A native of Denmark, SC, she was born January 2, 1938 to William and Laura Clifton. She was educated in the Bamberg County, South Carolina School District. In 1958, she moved to Jacksonville and was employed in hospitality at the Ponte Vedra Country Club and later she commenced her career as a hair stylist on Tyler Street. On April 24, 1964, she was united in marriage to Richard Bridgewater. After earning post-secondary and graduate degrees in education from the University of North Florida, Laura began her long and rewarding career of 30+ years as a math teacher in the Duval County Public School System serving respectfully at Raines, Ribault, & Englewood High Schools. Teaching was her passion and her stern but loving approach to teaching provided many meaningful experiences for her students. A lifelong Christian, Laura was a member of Peace Missionary Baptist Church faithfully serving in the Womens ministry. She particularly enjoyed serving on the hospitality and greeters committees. Laura was also very active in her community planning Christian leadership seminars for young women, forums on violence in the black community, and community beautification activities. She was a gifted organizer, planning community and social events with representatives including the Mayors office, State Attorneys Office, and District School Board. Laura took special pleasure in traveling and football games. She and Richard were often on the road with their RV clubs or tailgating at Jacksonville Jaguar football games where they have been season ticket holders since the inaugural season.

Laura was preceded in eternal rest by her parents, William and Laura Clifton; her beloved son, Kenneth Fudge; siblings Mamie Lebby, Carol Ball, Willie Clifton Jr., Hattie Jones, Ruth Johnson, Timothy Clifton, Frank Clifton, Lessie Clifton, and Bessie Clifton.

Those who cherish Lauras memories include her devoted best friend and loving husband of 45 years, Richard Bridgewater, Jacksonville; her adoring children, the Honorable James Ruth (Michelline), Tommy Bridgewater (Felicia), both of Jacksonville; and Pamela Bridgewater Toure (Kweku) of Washington, D.C.; her beloved siblings Mrs. Elizabeth Davis, Jersey City, NJ; Henry Clifton, Denmark, SC., and Mrs. Eartha Larry, Youngstown, OH; her eight grandchildren: Bryce, Keely, Jerome, Madeline, Sara, Shaina, Tommy Jr., and Christian; and a host of dearly loved nieces and nephews. Laura is also dearly missed by her numerous loyal and lifelong friends who were a source of infinite pride, joy and support.

Visitation of family and friends will be on Thursday February 25th from 5 8 p.m. at Peace Missionary Baptist Church, 1759 Rowe Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32208.

Celebration of Lauras Life and Legacy will be 10 a.m. Friday, February 26, 2010 at her church with Rev. Anthony L. Webster, pastor, eulogist. The cortege will assemble at the church on Friday at 9:30 a.m.

Interment will be in the Jacksonville National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in honor of Laura Bridgewater be sent to: Memorial Hospital Foundation or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida Foundation.