October 17, 2026, 69, – Elizabeth Underwood Bridgers passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on October 17, 2026 following a valiant battle with cancer.
Born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on June 21, 1957, Elizabeth was the daughter of Mina “Mimi” Weil Underwood and Willis “Bill” Boykin Underwood Jr. She graduated from Wayne Country Day School and East Carolina University.
Elizabeth met the love of her life, John “Johnny” Montague Bridgers, in middle school when she lived across the street from Johnny and his family. They began dating in high school and married after college. Throughout their 46 years of marriage, Elizabeth and Johnny shared a love of traveling to Harkers Island and the Outer Banks whenever they could. They especially enjoyed boating and shelling, and Elizabeth transformed many of her treasured shell collections into beautiful crafts.
Together, Elizabeth and Johnny were blessed with twins, Mimi and John. Being a mother and, later, a grandmother was Elizabeth’s greatest joy. Affectionately known as “Bibus,” she treasured her family and the special place she held in the lives of her children and grandchildren.
Elizabeth spent four decades working alongside her mother-in-law, husband and son in the Bridgers family business, The Cloth Barn. Throughout the years, she enjoyed her relationships with her customers.
Her love for animals began early in life. As a child, she was always bringing home critters of all kinds, including stray dogs, raccoons, and box turtles. That lifelong passion eventually led her to become a certified wildlife rescuer and rehabilitator. On any given day, Elizabeth might be caring for baby squirrels, opossums, racoons or the occasional skunk before returning them to the wild. Her compassion extended to every creature in need.
Elizabeth will be remembered for her unforgettable laughter, laid-back spirit, her love of being near the sea and boundless love for her family and friends. The joy she brought to those around her and the love she shared so freely will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 46 years, John “Johnny” Montague Bridgers; her daughter, Mina “Mimi” Bridgers Steed (Sam); her son, John Willis Bridgers (Anna); and her five cherished grandchildren, Mina Lee Steed, Wesley Steed, Charlie Steed, Charlotte Bridgers, and Betts Bridgers. She is also survived by her sister, Mina “Missy” Underwood Miller (Will); her brother, Willis Boykin Underwood III (Wooten); and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews who will dearly miss their beloved “Bibus.”
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents and her parents-in-law, Lillian and Chubby Bridgers.
The family is grateful for the care of Dr. Samer Kasbari and his staff and the amazing team at SMOC who looked after Elizabeth devotedly during her journey.
A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held Wednesday, October 21st at 2:00 at First Presbyterian Church 1101 E. Ash St., Goldsboro NC followed by a reception in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southeastern Medical Oncology Center (SMOC), 203 Cox Blvd., Goldsboro, NC 27534; OWLS Wildlife Center, 100 Wildlife Way, Newport, NC 28570, or Riley’s Army, PO Box 720, Winterville, NC 28590, in memory of Elizabeth.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home.
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