Willie Mae Briggs-Jones

Willie Mae Briggs-Jones was born July 25, 1920, in Clarendon County, a daughter of the late Abraham Briggs Sr. and the late Gabriel Lawson Briggs.

She attended Scott’s Branch High School and, after completing the 10th grade, she went to Washington, D.C., to provide for her parents. After living in Washington, she relocated to New York City, where she stayed for many years. She came back home to take care of her very sick parents. After moving back home, she attended the Adult Education Program and graduated in 1973 from Scott’s Branch High School.

Being reared in a Christian home, Mrs. Jones joined Historic Liberty Hill AME Church, where she served faithfully as a former usher, gospel choir member, class leader, stewardess, missionary member and in the Sunday school. Mrs. Jones loved her church and was always the first to enter when the doors were open.

She was a foster grandparent at St. Paul Primary School. She was a member of the Clarendon County Branch of the NAACP and many community activities.

After a brief illness, the last of an era of warriors came to an end on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007, at her home.

She leaves to cherish her memories: a son, Richard “Carrie” Briggs of Manning; niece, Gaynell “Nell” House of the home; three grandnieces, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Doughty, Jeannette “Tee Tee” McCoy and Charmaine Halsey, all of Maryland; five great-grandnieces and grandnephews; two great-grandchildren; two godchildren; an aunt, Levenia Smith of Maryland; and a host of cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007, at Historic Liberty Hill AME Church with Dr. Melvin Capers, pastor, officiating.

Burial was in the church cemetery.

King Funeral Home of Summerton was in charge of the arrangements.