Elouise McPherson "Mac" Briggs

BRIGGS, Elouise "Mac" McPherson, 85, of Richmond, gently departed us Wednesday, February 18, 2009. She had been widowed since the death of her husband, architect William Adolphus Briggs in 1988. She was born in Russellville, Ky., moved to Nashville, Tenn., where she met her husband at an architectural engineering firm, then with him to Richmond. During WWII, she worked in quality control for Nashville's Vultee Aircraft (later Convair) inspecting warplanes. In the 50s, they moved to Richmond and opened William A. Briggs, Architect, where she specialized in interior design. The firm designed commercial buildings (including Richmond's Safety, Health & Welfare building), major renovations (The Mosque), and private homes. Elouise was a consultant for Doncaster women's clothing for 40 years. She and Bill loved and nurtured three children, Edwin Gerald, Lillian Rebecca and Marella Mac (Charles Norris); and three stepsons, Anthony Sanford (who died in 1996), William Adolphus Jr. and Henry Harrison. Elouise leaves 19 grandchildren and 16 great- grandchildren. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 23, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in honor of Elouise Briggs to St. Thomas.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.