June 3, 1937 – October 8, 2026
Betty Louise “Teeny” Peck Anthony, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, artist, sister, and friend, died peacefully on October 8, 2026, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with her sons Brian and Andrew (Drew) by her side. She was 89.
Teeny was born June 3, 1937, in Iredell County, North Carolina, to Lewis and Irene Peck. She was raised in Albemarle and Shelby and graduated from Shelby High School in 1955. She graduated from Pfeiffer University in 1959 and soon after married Milton Bridges of Shelby, beginning a lifelong career in education.
Teeny was a devoted teacher and reading specialist who took great pride in helping children discover the joy of reading. She was loved by her students and remembered for her patience, encouragement, and genuine care for those she taught. As she and Milton raised their three sons, the family lived in Winston-Salem and Gastonia.
In 1992, Teeny married John Anthony of Winston-Salem, her beloved husband and soulmate. Their life together was filled with love, companionship, travel, and many shared interests. Teeny especially treasured time spent with John, her family, and friends.
Those who knew Teeny will remember not only her kindness and generosity, but also her incredible sense of humor. She had a quick wit, a playful spirit, and a wonderful ability to make people laugh. She never took herself too seriously and could find humor in the ordinary moments of life. Her laughter and lively personality brought warmth and joy to those around her.
Family was at the very heart of Teeny’s life. She was deeply devoted to her children and siblings and cherished the special bond they shared throughout their lives. She remained close to her nieces and nephews and took genuine pleasure in family gatherings and staying connected to those she loved. Her lifelong friendships were equally precious to her. She treasured friends who had known her for decades, and she nurtured those relationships with loyalty, affection, laughter, and love.
A gifted artist, Teeny loved painting and found joy in creativity. She enjoyed reading, walking, traveling, decorating, knitting, crafting, playing bridge, and cooking. She had a natural talent for making a home warm and welcoming and delighted in sharing her creativity with others. Above all, she valued the people she loved and the time they shared together. Teeny will be deeply missed, but the laughter, love, and memories she gave so freely will remain.
Teeny is survived by her husband, John Anthony; her sons, Brian Martin Bridges (Robyn) of Richmond, Virginia, and Andrew Patrick Bridges (Colleen) of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; and five grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Hunter, Benjamin, Katherine, and Chase Bridges. She is also survived by her step-sons, Richard Anthony (Evangeline) and John Anthony, both of Norfolk, Virginia; step-granddaughters Jayden and Joanne Anthony; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Steven Fisher Bridges; her brother, Pete Peck (Sara); and her sisters, Mary Anna Dunn (PZ), Irene Jordan (Robert), and Nancy Connor.
A memorial service celebrating Teeny’s life will be held at Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement Community, Piner Hall, 1240 Arbor Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Saturday, November 28, at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, Teeny requested that memorials be made to a hospice or palliative care organization serving Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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