Debra Renee Bridges

Debra "Rissalina" Renee Bridges

Debra Renee Bridges, 38, passed away at home on September 14, 2023. Debra was born to Austin and Susan Cagley in Knoxville, Tennessee, on October 10th, 1984. She enjoyed playing on the family farm from a young age, and had a strong love for the animals. Debra attended Karns High School, where she was a member of the ROTC colorguard, which was a source of pride. She received many awards and promotions within the organization.

Debra also held an associate's degree in electrical engineering from Byington Solway Vocational School. She worked for Windrock Incorporated, where she built and repaired electrical boards as a production technician. She received many awards and commendations from the company for her years of dedication and great work.

Debra married her husband David on November 12, 2021 in Knoxville, Tennessee, where the two lived for a short time before moving to Newport, Tennessee. She enjoyed crocheting in her spare time. Debra was also an avid gamer, enjoying games such as World of Warcraft, The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy. Gaming was a big part of her life from a young age. Most of all, she was a loving, caring wife and mother.  She is survived by her husband David Alan Bridges, her mother Susan Cagley, father Austin Cagley, grandmother Nancy Irick, Uncle Jeff Irick, Aunt Ruby Day, her sister Elizabeth Bradford and her husband Jay Bradford, and two beautiful children, Emery and Zelda Murphy.

Everyone who knew Debra said that she always put others before herself, and would often endure suffering on her own rather than allowing anyone else to be upset. She is an extremely beautiful soul, whose kindness and generosity lifted the spirits and hearts of anyone she interacted with. Those who knew her best would call her a ray of sunshine who always made everyone around her laugh. She was loved and respected in her work and all facets of her life. She possessed a grace that was a true testament to the glory of her creator, and will be sorely missed and loved by everyone she has left behind. And finally, to her husband, David, she was, and always will be, a best friend, a soul mate, and lovingly remembered as Rissalina, the Light of Hope. 

There will be a Celebration of Life service held on  Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm in the Chapel Mausoleum at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. 

Family and friends may sign the guest register and post condolences at www.resthavenmemorialgardens.com

Services provided by Resthaven Funeral Home/Cemetery/Cremations

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