Mary Briggs

Mary Briggs, 79, departed this earthly life on Friday, June 8, 2007, at Carolinas Hospital System in Florence.

Born Oct. 10, 1927, in Clarendon County, she was a daughter of the late Irvin Bethune and Rebecca Brunson Isaac. Affectionately known as “Mama,” she was joined in holy matrimony to the late Boston Lawrence Briggs Sr. Mrs. Briggs moved to Baltimore, Md., and after living there for 55 years she relocated to Summerton.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Susan Powell and Mittie Ragin; a brother, Willie Bethune; and a daughter, Irlene Briggs.

Those left to grow from her legacy of love are five sons, Boston (Tina) Briggs Sr., Lamont Briggs, Dennis (Denise) Briggs and Rory Briggs, all of Baltimore, and Anthony Briggs of Summerton; a daughter, Gloria (Robert) Willies of Baltimore; a brother, Mackey (Wilma) Isaac Jr. of Summerton; two sisters, Alice Marshall of Sumter and Blanch Isaac of Mobile, Ala.; three sisters-in-law, Litha Cannie of Summerton, Jessie Bethune of Baltimore and Susan Briggs of Pinewood; an aunt, Lillie Bealon; three daughters-in-law, Pamela Briggs, Karleen Briggs and Janet Briggs, all of Baltimore; two grandchildren she reared as her own, Lauren Veney and Raphael “Tank” Briggs; 32 other grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; two special friends, Peggy Nelson and Marnita Clayborne; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Briggs were held on Friday, June 15, 2007, at Greater St. Phillips RMUE Church, officiated by the Rev. Warren Hatcher and the Rev. Amos Hatcher.

Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Summerton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.