Abingdon, Virginia.

Bridgette Lynette Olinger Smith, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, May 05, 2026 at her home. She was born in Saltville, Va. on 12/24/1948 to the late Dan and Dorothy (Heath) Olinger.

Bridgette was married to her beloved husband, David Alan Smith, for 50 plus wonderful years after meeting him by chance at Virginia Highlands Community College where he was teaching after his completion of graduate school at Case Western University. Together they raised two wonderful daughters and built many fond memories along the way.

Bridgette graduated from Wytheville Community College, University of Virginia and the Medical College of Virginia with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Nursing. She was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing while at the Medical College of Virginia. She practiced as a Nurse Practitioner for 35 years in Johnson City, Tenn., Bristol, Tenn., Lebanon, Va., and Damascus, Va. Bridgette enjoyed having the privilege of caring for her patients and oftentimes served three generations of some families. After retiring she volunteered with Crossroads Medical Mission in Abingdon for a few months until health issues intervened.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her younger brother, Jeff Olinger.

She is survived by her daughters: Brenta Harris of Bristol, Va. and grandson Spencer Smith of Norfolk, VA. and Jessica Katrompas and husband, Alex and grandson, Alex Jr. of Leander, Texas and Greece. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Reba Olinger of Bristol, Va., a nephew, Jay Olinger of Saltville, Va. and grandnephew, Damyen Olinger of Chilhowie, Va. Survivors also include brother-in-law Dale and wife, Jan Smith of Scotts, Michigan and niece, Dr. Jennifer Carman, husband Mickey and son Kasey of Augusta, Michigan.

She attended Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church in Abingdon, Va. A Memorial Service will be held at D.R. Henderson Funeral Home, Saturday, May 09, 2026 at 3 p.m with Rev. Kevin Campbell officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests a memorial contribution be made to: Crossroads Medical Mission, 433 Scott St., Bristol, Virginia 24201 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; 501 St. Jude Place; Memphis, Tenn. 38105 in honor of Bridgette Smith, Abingdon, Va.

Online condolences may be made at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is serving the family of Bridgette Lynette Olinger Smith.