Obituaries » Elisha Thomas BRIDER
PrintElisha Thomas BRIDER
November 26, 1928 - March 27, 2019
Burial Date: April 6, 2019
Visitation will be held Friday, April 5, 2019 at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 1108 Pecan Street, Helena Arkansas from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the P.L.M. and D. District Center, Helena Arkansas at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at a later date at Houston Memorial Gardens, Houston Texas.
Mr. Elisha Thomas Brider was born November 26, 1928 to the late George and Hannah Brider in McComb, Mississippi. Affectionately known as E.T., he departed this earthly life March 27, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Brider accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age under the leadership of Reverend J.L. Gray at the Sherard Baptist Church, Sherard Mississippi. He later joined Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Helena Arkansas under the leadership of Reverend W.R. Reynolds, were he served for 66 years in many capacities such as: choir member, Trustee, crowned as a Deacon in 1954 and any other auxiliary he could assist with.
Mr. Brider was an exceptionally provider for his family. He had many career opportunities which at times allowed him to hold more than one job. Working at Mohawk and Phillips Community College, he was able to retire in 1987 after dedicating 15 years of service to Phillips Community College.
Mr. Brider loved his family and church family. He often spoke of his most important love, that being the “Lord.” He didn’t mind sharing the goodness that the “Lord” had bestowed in his life. He was not a stranger to his duties while on his Christian journey and was evident throughout his life.
Not having any boys but having six beautiful girls that he truly loved dearly was shared on any given occasion. He didn’t mind showing and expressing his love for his girls. He was an outstanding provider, protector and a role model of how a man should support his family.
Some of his favorite pass times were going to Hays’, listening to Gospel Music, going to Gospel Programs, watching Gospel Programs on television, watching the news and fellowshipping over some tasty food.
Mr. Brider is preceded death by his parents; wives, Tiny Mae Brider and Catherine Brider, siblings; Joe Brider, Louis Brider, Johnny Brider, Mary Nolan, Ruth Johnson and Corine Watley.
Mr. Brider leaves to cherish his memories six lovely daughters; Katherine Johnson of Chicago IL, Hannah Abdullah of Fort Worth TX, Mary (Michael) Woodfork of Chicago IL, Elder Cora (Charles) Brider Mitchell of Beaumont TX, Bobbie Brider of Gretna LA, Toni (Calvin) Johnson of Houston TX, a nephew raised as a son; Leodis Collins of Chicago IL, a niece raised as a daughter; Dorothy (James) Johns of Bolingbrook IL, 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
