Annette Bridges Tuten

Mrs. Dorothy Annette Bridges Tuten, 83, resident of Highland Street in Varnville, widow of the late Henry M. Tuten, passed away Monday morning, December 1, 2025, at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Born March 19, 1942, in Powdersville, SC, Mrs. Tuten was the daughter of the late James Lewis Bridges and the late Mary Rhodes Bridges. She graduated from Furman University with a degree in music education. She retired from Hampton School District 1 after working as a music teacher for over 45 years, teaching the children of Hampton County the importance of music and fine arts. Even through retirement, Mrs. Tuten still instilled the love and knowledge of music in many by teaching piano and other music lessons at her home in Varnville. She was a creative, knowledgeable, and strong woman who will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community.

Mrs. Tuten was an active member of the Varnville First Baptist Church and choir director for over 55 years. At the church, she served as the church musician and was active in many other activities such as Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. In addition to being active in the church, she was active in the community by serving on the Hampton County Arts Council for many years, she sang with and directed the Hampton County Choral Society.

Surviving are her sons:  Timothy W. Tuten of Mount Pleasant and James H. Tuten and wife Belle of Huntingdon, PA; her two grandsons:  Thomas H. Tuten and Oscar A. Tuten of Huntingdon, PA; her two sisters:  Miriam Ausburn and husband Billy of Powdersville and Kathy Melton and husband Alan of Waynesboro, VA, and four nieces and a nephew.

In addition to her husband, Henry M. Tuten, and her parents, Mrs. Tuten was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Mary O. Linnean, and a niece, Shelley Linnean Spake.

Funeral Services will be 11 AM Saturday, December 6, 2025, in the Varnville First Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Kelly. Burial will follow in the Sandy Run Cemetery near Hampton.

Visitation will be from 5 PM – 7 PM Friday, December 5, 2025, at Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, located at 300 Mulberry St. W., Hampton, SC 29924.

The family suggests that those who wish may send memorials to the Varnville First Baptist Church Organ Fund, P.O. Box 306, Varnville, SC 29944.

Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home is assisting the Tuten family during this time.