Funeral for Pam Bridges

A Celebration of Life and Legacy Calvary Baptist Church Memorial Service for Pam Suder Officiated by: Rev. Scott Davis

Prelude

Instrumental music (piano or soft worship music)

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Rev. Scott Davis

“We gather today in the presence of God to remember and celebrate the life of our beloved sister in Christ, Pam Suder. Pam was a faithful member of Calvary, a woman of quiet strength, deep devotion, and a heart that reflected the love of Jesus Christ. Today we grieve her absence, but we also rejoice in her eternal healing and peace.”

Scripture Reading: Psalm 23 (ESV)

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Congregational Hymn

Prayer of Comfort

Rev. Scott Davis

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for Pam’s life—her faith, her love, her testimony. Comfort us now as we mourn. Remind us that in Christ, death is not the end. Surround this family with peace that surpasses understanding. In Jesus' name, Amen.”

Obituary Reading

Pamela Bridges Suder, passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 67, in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

She was born on September 23, 1957, in Spartanburg a daughter of James Earl Bridges and Gwendolyn Bearden Bridges. Pamela dedicated twenty plus years working as a paralegal at the law office of Toney Lister.

Left to cherish Pamela's memory are her husband, John Suder; son, Michael Trevete Suder and his wife Amanda; granddaughter, Kyra Suder; sisters, Amy Thompson and Tammy Bridges Gilbert and her husband Donnie; nieces, Jamie Edwards and Brittany Flippo; and nephews, Josh and Christian Thompson. She was predeceased by her father, James Earl Bridges.

[Designated Reader or Pastor]

(Include the full obituary of Pam Suder as provided by the family)

Scripture Reading: John 14:1–3 (ESV)

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

Reflections & Tributes

Open Mic or Selected Speakers (Family & Friends) Encourage brief personal stories, memories, and how Pam impacted their lives.

Message of Hope: "A Life Well Lived, A Crown Well Earned"

Text: 2 Timothy 4:7–8

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

1. "I Have Fought the Good Fight" — A Life of Purpose

Pam's life was not random or wasted—it was purposeful. Like Paul, she engaged in the daily spiritual battle of faith, family, and perseverance. She showed up. She stood strong. She prayed faithfully.

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV) – “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood…” Her battle wasn’t against circumstances—it was a fight to remain faithful to the Lord through them.

Application: We honor Pam by continuing the fight—not in fear, but in faith. Her legacy invites us to carry the torch and live with purpose, even in pain.

2. "I Have Finished the Race" — A Life Completed

Pam didn’t just start her walk with Jesus—she finished it. She walked the long road of life, and she crossed the finish line faithfully.

Hebrews 12:1–2 (ESV) – “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…”

Pam ran her race—through trials, joys, loss, and growth—and she did not give up. The Lord numbered her days, and she completed her assignment.

Application: We don’t mourn as those without hope. Her race is over, and her reward has begun.

3. "I Have Kept the Faith" — A Life Anchored

The greatest treasure Pam carried wasn’t in this world—it was her faith. In an unstable and ever-changing world, she remained anchored in Christ.

Psalm 116:15 (ESV) – “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

Application: Pam kept the faith—and now, her faith has become sight. She sees the One she believed in. Her quiet trust in Jesus has now brought her to His presence.

4. "There Is Laid Up for Me the Crown of Righteousness" — A Life Rewarded

This is not the end of Pam’s story—it’s the beginning of her forever. There is a crown, a reward, a home. Not earned by works, but gifted through Christ’s righteousness.

Revelation 21:4 (ESV) – “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more…”

Pam is now clothed in righteousness, crowned in glory, and safe in the arms of Jesus.

Application: One day, we who believe will join her. We will receive our own crown—not because we were perfect, but because we loved His appearing.

Closing Words

Pam lived a life that echoed Paul’s words—a faithful life, a finished race, a kept faith, and now, a glorious reward. Today, we grieve. But we grieve with hope. Because of Jesus, death does not have the final word.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 (ESV) – “…that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope… For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”

Pam is not lost to us. She is home.