Joanne Bridges was a woman whose life was defined by quiet dedication, loving service, and a deep commitment to family and faith passed away Friday, January 9, 2026 in her home.
She was born March 23, 1938 in Athens County, Ohio, to Harley Wayne McAfee and Thelma Dean Ely, and graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1956. From an early age, Joanne understood the value of hard work and caring for others—qualities that remained hallmarks of her life.
Joanne’s working years reflected both her versatility and perseverance. She began as an Avon representative, selling makeup and skincare door to door, before working in housekeeping at Mansfield General Hospital. She later cleaned at Gorman-Rupp in Mansfield, and when the cleanup crew was no longer needed, she seamlessly transitioned into the role of internal mail carrier. Eventually, Joanne found her long-term career on the assembly line at the Bowman Street factory, where she helped manufacture pumps for nearly 20 years. Upon retiring, she did so with purpose—devoting herself fully to caring for her beloved grandchildren.
On July 3, 1984, Joanne married Larry Bridges, beginning a partnership rooted in love, devotion, and shared family life.
Until her illness, Joanne was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her service to the church was heartfelt and meaningful, especially in her role as a Primary teacher. Teaching and nurturing children brought her great joy, and she poured love, patience, and kindness into every lesson she shared.
Even while working full time, Joanne was an exceptional homemaker. Her home was a place of warmth, comfort, and care. She loved cooking and baking and was well known for her homemade pies, pizza crust, rhubarb crunch, and her specialty vanilla nut stick cookies. Preparing Thanksgiving dinner in Joanne’s home was a true labor of love—often a two- to three-day process where everything was made from scratch, with no shortcuts ever taken.
Joanne also had a passion for gardening, often raising enough crops to feed her family throughout the winter months. She sometimes even rented land outside of town to grow asparagus, squash, tomatoes, cabbage, and beans. She canned tirelessly and delighted in making jams and jellies to share with those she loved.
Creative and resourceful, Joanne had a gift for crafting. She made clothing for her children, eagerly helped with school projects, and became a master at creating detailed and meaningful shadow boxes. Her hands were rarely still, always busy creating something useful or beautiful.
Above all else, Joanne treasured time with her family. She loved hosting gatherings, bringing people together around her table, and simply spending time playing games and enjoying one another’s company. Her home was a place where memories were made, laughter was shared, and everyone felt welcome.
Joanne Bridges will be remembered for her unwavering work ethic, her nurturing spirit, her faithful service, and the countless ways she showed love through the things she made and the time she gave.
Joanne is survived by her husband Larry Bridges, children and their spouses Jean (Andrew) Crosby, Pam Shepherd, Jay (Ute) Shepherd, Tammy (Mitch) Paramore, Billie Cordrey, and Bonnie Shepherd; a son-in-law Phil Cordrey; grandchildren Steven Shepherd, Ryan Paramore, Aryn (Ray) Machuca, Austin Paramore, Shane (Kylee) Paramore, Kyle Cordrey, Kenton Cordrey, Colin Cordrey, Stephanie Dean (John Miller), Cameron (Amanda) Shepherd, Michael Shepherd, Ashley Shepherd; great grandchildren Eloise Paramore, Mallorie Paramore, Loralyn Shepherd, and Maevyn Shepherd; a brother Bob McAfee, sister Michelle Mosier; sisters-in-law Mary and Pat McAfee; along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Joanne is preceded in death by grandchildren Angie Lowe and Benjamin Lowe; siblings and their spouses Jim McAfee, Lecyll (Tom) Riley and Gary McAfee.
Friends may call Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 11 am to 12 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1951 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield, where a funeral service honoring Joanne will follow at 12 pm. Burial will be in Bellville Cemetery.
Memorial donations in honor of Joanne may be made to Compassus Hospice.
To leave a message of support to the family please visit snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: Bellville Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com