A memorial service will be held for Bridgett Willoughby, 49, of Nacogdoches, at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Laird Funeral Home, with Tonya Harry and Eugene Hickman officiating.
Ms. Willoughby passed away on November 20, 2021, in Nacogdoches.
On June 21, 1972, this world celebrated the birth of Bridgett Ann Gray, daughter of Carlos Stephens Gray of Center, TX, and Carolyn Sue Ferguson Chrisco of Nacogdoches, TX. With blond hair and blue eyes, she was much prettier and more photogenic than the older Gray siblings, Amanda and Ronald. In fact, they were quite sure she was adopted, and told her so throughout their youth. Somehow, young Bridgett persevered with a tomboy older sister and brother who enjoyed putting sick wrestling moves on her dollies and stuffed animals. It was likely at this time that she developed her lifelong love of children in need of protection.
After a slightly wild adolescence enjoyed whole-heartedly with her older siblings, she settled down to raise her beloved sons, Ryan, Alan, and Justin. She worked full-time to raise her boys while attending college at Stephen F. Austin State University. Upon graduation, she took a position with Child Protective Services as an investigator. She found her true calling as an advocate for abused and neglected children.
She loved sunshine, fishing, and flip-flops. She travelled all over the United States, and fell in love with Belize. A woman who wouldn't put her head underwater in a bathtub went scuba diving in Belize. She lived for her children and grandchildren. If you were ever a part of her family, you were forever a part of her family. Children’s rights and safety were her passion. She was a warrior, fierce and passionate. She loved a good argument, but you’d better know your facts. And if it was a written conversation or document, you’d better know your grammar and spelling, too.
From Center, Tx, to Port Barre, La, to the Oldest Town in Texas, she made lifelong friends and loved without reserve. A heart so big, gone too soon.
Preceded in death by her stepfather, Ken Chrisco. Heaven is a bit shocked tonight by your long, blond hair slinging around to the rhythm of the song, “Mustang Sally.” Ride, Bridgett, Ride. And rest in peace, beautiful soul.
Bridgett is survived by her mother, Carolyn Chrisco of Nacogdoches, TX; father, Carlos Gray and wife Karen of Center, Tx; sister, Amanda Gongwer and husband Jeff of Mount Enterprise, TX; brother, Ronald Gray and wife Teresa of Center, TX; children, Ryan Gray and wife Candace of Wimberley, TX, Alan Willoughby and wife LaKendra of Nacogdoches, Tx, and Justin Willoughby of Nacogdoches, Tx; and eight grandchildren, her pride and joy, Kenneth Willoughby, Riley Gray, Cullen Gray, Jacob Watts, Tristin Gray, Lyla Watts, Lainey Watts, and Braelyn Willoughby.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CASA of Deep East Texas.
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