Iris "Annette" Bridges, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away at the age of 74 on Friday, December 15, 2023.

A going home celebration for Annette of Pottsboro, Texas will be conducted on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Waldo Funeral home in Sherman, Texas.  Rosary vigil will occur at 6:00 PM, with a Family Visitation to follow.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Sherman, Texas.  Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Sherman.

Annette was born in Sherman, Texas on November 15, 1949 to E.Y. Welch and Annie Mildred Sims Welch and attended school in Tom Bean.  She married Charles J. Bridges at St. Mary's Catholic Church on May 24, 1975.  Annette was devoted to her family and loved her roles as wife, mother, grandmother (aka Gawna), sister and aunt.  As their biggest cheerleader, Gawna rarely missed a school event or game for her grandsons, who she adored.

Over the span of her career of 35+ years, she primarily worked at Texas Instruments and MEMC, where she met many of her life-long friends.  With these friends and family, she had a love for travel and making memories.  She never passed up an opportunity for a get-together involving fellowship, food, and fun.  Annette was a vibrant soul with a passion for live music.  As Blake Shelton's number one fan, her spirit will forever resonate with the music that brought her so much happiness.  She was also known for her caring heart and desire to help others as she devoted countless hours volunteering at the local soup kitchen.

Annette is survived by her husband of 48 years, Charlie; daughter, Michelle Kyzar and husband Derek; son Charles Ryan Bridges and wife Carolyn; three grandchildren, Braden, Ryland, and Jayson; brothers Robert Welch and wife Barbara, Stanley Welch and wife Martha, Albert Welch and wife Margaret, and Charles Welch and wife Debbie.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Jeanne "Doby" Taylor of Denison.

Pallbearers will be Jason Welch, Darin Welch, Mark Welch, Roger Welch, Mark Freeman, and Joel Ray Stringfellow.