Barbara DeVane Bridges

DATELINE: KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA

Barbara DeVane Bridges

Mrs. Barbara Bridges, a longtime resident of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on the evening of August 28, 2025. Barbara was born on November 26, 1936, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anne D. and Robert F. Hill; her husband of 48 years, Carl B. DeVane; her second husband, Glee E. Bridges; and her sister, Margaret Hill Eklof. Barbara is survived by her sister, Harriet Hill Marquis; and her two children, Leanne DeVane of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and David (Kim) DeVane of Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Casey (Ryan) DeVane and Camden DeVane. Additional survivors are four nieces and three nephews.

Barbara graduated from McClenaghan High School in Florence, S.C., in 1955. A tribute to her inner and outer beauty, she was crowned “Miss Florence” in 1957. That same year, she graduated from the School of Business at Columbia College. The following December, married Carl DeVane of Florence, S.C. In her interview for the beauty queen title, when asked why she intended to marry Carl, she replied, “because he loves me.”

The oldest of three sisters, Barbara had a loving, caring, interested, funny, and compassionate presence. She had a determined approach to life. After her children graduated from high school, Barbara, following her passion for interior decorating, completed formal training in interior design. She was a sought-after interior design consultant for two decades to many homes and businesses throughout the Kings Mountain, Gastonia, and Shelby communities. She volunteered in the Community Kitchen at Central United Methodist Church for many years and also sang in the church choir. Barbara loved fine art, classical music, and travel. With husbands Carl and Glee, as well as family and friends, she toured Europe on several occasions. She was enthralled with the sculpture throughout Italy, but especially Rome, her favorite travel destination. She genuinely loved people and made enduring friendships from all walks of life, throughout her life. She is deeply missed as a mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

A memorial service in celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Saturday, September 20, at 11:00 a.m. at Central Methodist Church in Kings Mountain, N.C. Fellowship will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in memory of Barbara Bridges to VIA Health Partners’ Testa Family Hospice House in Kings Mountain. Gifts may be sent to VIA Health Partners, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, N.C., 28150, or online at viagiving.org. The family suggests writing “Testa Hospice House” in the memo line, and including a note to indicate the donation is in Barbara Bridges’ memory.

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ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA