Janet Howard Bridges

Janet Marie Bridges (Howard) passed away peacefully on May 17th, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 63 years old. She was a loving wife, a caring mother of two children, and a wonderful grandmother to seven grandchildren. She had thirteen brothers and sisters and cherished each one. She held a special place in her heart for each family member.

Janet was born on December 21st, 1960, in Birmingham Alabama, and grew up with a passion for the outdoors. She loved nature and believed God created nature for everyone to enjoy. She was able to experience this while traveling the world and immersing herself in diverse cultures and landscapes. Her memorable travel experiences include hiking and skiing the mountains in Germany, diving in the Caribbean, teaching her kids to dive in the Florida Keys, vacationing with family in Jamaica and Daytona, riding motorcycles, and exploring Europe with her family. Janet always embraced all the joy she could grasp and helped everyone around her experience that joy with her. She loved to see the dolphins jumping and the manatees swimming around her pier. She enjoyed boating with the wind in her hair and always remembered to stop and admire the amazing sunsets. For Janet, it was not about the destination; It was about the journey.

Her enthusiasm for staying healthy and fit was evident in every aspect of her life. She inspired those around her to embrace an active lifestyle, always leading by example with her dedication to fitness and well-being. She thrived on others staying in shape and helped guide them throughout her life, by training them in a gym, teaching aerobics, riding bicycles, and encouraging them every step of the way.

Janet's beautiful smile and never-ending optimism touched the lives of everyone she met. She could find joy in the simplest of moments and had faith the size of a mountain that spread to others. Janet was a testament to living life to its fullest, seizing each day with enthusiasm and gratitude.

Janet's memory will forever be a source of inspiration, reminding us to appreciate the beauty of the world and to approach each day with joy and energy. Her memory will live on through this legacy to her loving family and cherished friends who knew her zest for life.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents Robert Earl Howard, and Ira Mae Howard (Grant), and her brother Robert Howard Jr.

She is survived by her husband Carl Thomas Bridges Sr (Tommy Bridges), daughter Stephanie Marie Bridges, son Carl Thomas Bridges Jr, grandchildren Hannah Lucille Calamusa, Michael Andrew Calamusa, McKenzie Grace Bridges, Bentley Thomas Bridges, Carl Thomas Bridges III (Tripp), Gabriel Paul Bridges, and David Cayden Bridges.

Surviving siblings:

Theresa Howard (Robert Earl Howard Jr)

Judy Etheredge & Bill

Ronald Howard & Kay

Joyce Hudson & Michael

David Howard & Leslie

Johnny Howard & Tammy

Linda McEvoy & Mike

Mary Edwards & Terry

Alice Rouse & Buster

Elizabeth Blackburn & Gene

James Howard & Tere

Jesse Howard & Robyn

Gary Howard & Lea Anne

A celebration of Janet's life with Family and friends will be on

Thursday, May 23rd at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home

1591 Gadsden Highway

Birmingham, Alabama 35235 205-322-0543

Family 11:30

Public Viewing 12:00-2:00

Service 2:00 PM

Janet was always outgoing and joyful and would want us to remember the great times everyone shared with her. She loved her lake house where she shared so many special memories. After the service, we invite you to our home for a Celebration of life. Let us eat, tell stories, laugh, cry, and share memories.