Lynn Briggs
Lanora (Lynn) Briggs passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020. She was born to Gilbert and Frances Sterling on Oct. 6, 1932, in Lonedell, MO, the first of four children.
In 1950, she graduated from St. Clair High School. She was married to Marvin Briggs after she flew from Lonedell to Anchorage, Alaska, where Marvin was stationed in the US Air Force. They had three children: Vicki, Alex, and Doug. As Marvin was assigned to various military bases throughout his career, much travel was involved. Luckily, Lynn had a tremendous sense of adventure by nature. At times, though, she had to hold down the fort while Marvin was stationed overseas for many months at a time. In her late 30’s, she attended college in order to get her degree to become a teacher’s aide. After Marvin retired, Lynn did become a teacher’s aide at St.Clair Public School and truly enjoyed working with young children there for many years. Throughout her life she loved to travel, whether moving to another state, visiting family in the Philippines or just traveling out west in an overhead pick-up camper to enjoy nature. She loved the mountains the most, and was always ready for whatever adventure awaited.
Washing and even dyeing her hair in a mountain stream was no problem! As long as she had her coffee, she was good to go! She also cooked for all the deer hunters on all the deer camping trips. There was always lots of cooking, and she was good at it. She had a competitive spirit that was evident in playing cards, games, and sports. In her 40’s, she played on the church baseball team. Lynn was an avid Cardinal baseball fan, whether watching them on TV, listening to them on the radio, or even listening on the car radio. She loved all children, but especially her grandchildren, of course. She enjoyed taking them to Meramec State Park and getting their happy meals at McDonald’s. She was active in church functions, even serving as youth leader with Marvin for a long while. Year after year, they dedicated many hours. She and Marvin helped raise two foster children: April and Patrick. An active member of Countryside Baptist Church, Lynn served as treasurer, led youth groups, taught Sunday School, cooked many dinners, and always had a loving, generous spirit. Her positive attitude and sweet personality were evident throughout her life. She was cute, funny, and full of joy even through the tough times. She will be so missed by so many.
She was preceded in death by daughter-in-law Debbie Briggs, daughter-in law Barb Briggs, and by great grandchild, sweet Colby O’Dell. She is survived by her husband, Marvin Briggs of Sullivan, MO; her children, Vicki Harms and husband Ray J., Alex Briggs and wife Lynda, and Doug Briggs; grandchildren Daniel Briggs and wife Robin, Christina Hawkins and husband Jason, Tyler Harms and wife Hope, Kyle Harms and wife Liz, Timothy Briggs and wife Amilyn, Jessica O’Dell and husband Michael, Cody Briggs and wife Alison, Noah Briggs and wife Cheyenne, Sarah Bean and husband Jake, and Elijah Briggs. Great grandchildren; Trenton Briggs, Austin Briggs, Emma Briggs, Audrey Briggs, Caleb Briggs, Faithlyn Briggs, Kaydance Harms, Grayson Harms, Liam Briggs, Everlee Briggs, Mae Bean, Hunter Bean, Sadie O’Dell, and Cooper O’Dell., and two sisters, a brother, and many neices and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. There will be a small gathering in a celebration of life memorial service to be determined at a later date.