Carroll A. Briggs

“A soft-spoken man that said few words, but his presence spoke volumes”

"A Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend”, Carroll was all of these and so much more.

Mr. Carroll Anthony Briggs, of Chester, VA, was born October 3, 1956. He received his wings and took flight to his heavenly home on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.  

He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Bethesda Baptist Church, South Chesterfield, VA, where he was a life time member. He served as a choir member, usher, security, Young Men’s Training Ministry, Men of Bethesda (MOB), and the Whole Bread Ministry. He was a member of the NAACP where he was a liaison for the youth.    

Carroll was the seventh child of nine children born to Rachel Thomas Briggs and Eugene Briggs, Sr. of Chester, VA. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene "Jack/Papa" Briggs, Sr. and mother, Rachel Thomas Briggs; his oldest brother, Eugene "June Bug" Briggs, Jr.; his oldest sister, Martha Ann Connally and his youngest brother, Warren Crispy Briggs.

Carroll attended Chesterfield County Public Schools: Harrowgate Elementary, Carver Middle School, Chester Intermediate and was a graduate of Thomas Dale High School Class of 1976.   He excelled academically as a student and an athlete.  Carroll was an outstanding all-around athlete. His future driving force to play sports came along when he participated in Chesterfield Little League Sports.  He was a stellar basketball player at Thomas Dale where the team was given the name “Awesome Five”.  Because of his speed and compassion for track and football, he earned the name “The Speedster”.  By friends and family Carroll was also known as, “Carroll Lee, Head, Black Boy, Briggs, Unc, Spartan, and The Dresser”.  Carroll was a die-hard fan of the Washington Football Team. His love for sports inspired his daughter and nephews to play sports.

After high school, Carroll attended Norfolk State College (University) approximately one year before he transferred to Virginia State College (University) to be with his Queen Vanessa whom he had dated since 9th grade.  While attending VSC he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation, May 1981.  Carroll enjoyed spending time with family and friends and looked forward to family gatherings.   He enjoyed attending the CIAA tournament annually for 30 plus years with his family and friends. He also treasured moments with his fraternity brothers and loved them dearly.

Carroll was employed by The Hon Company, Virginia Commonwealth University, SSC, Glenburnie Rehab Center, Chester Presbyterian Church, Maintenance Source, Owner of B&F Janitorial Service, and retired from Chesterfield County Public Schools after over 40 years of service.

Passionate, impactful, and laid back are just a few words to describe Carroll. He was very passionate about his family especially his wife and daughter. Carroll’s ride or die love of his life, Queen Vanessa, was his life-long partner and best friend for 48 years. For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and health, they stood together in love. With their faith in God; together they weathered life’s storms and celebrated the victories. Very seldom would you see one without the other, his “Vanessa” and her “Carroll Lee”.  His daughter was his heart and he was her “#1 Dad”. Carroll instilled in Geneè to excel in whatever endeavor she pursued. Some of his mottos were, “Never Give Up”, “Give it Your All”, “You Can Achieve Anything You Put Your Mind To”, “Believe”, and “Let the Nay Sayers, Say What They Want and You Be Strong”.  He was proud to give Geneè coaching advice and was her #1 Fan when she played basketball, softball, track, and became a VSU Woo Woo. Carroll loved fashion and encouraged Genee’ to pursue her goal in entrepreneurship in the fashion industry. 

Carroll has one daughter biologically, but he was a father-figure to his two nieces and a nephew that he raised as his own. He imparted into Keisha his hard work ethics and care-giving abilities. He was also very proud of ZaChante’s academic accomplishments and especially obtaining her Bachelor of Science Degree (in May of 2020 from Virginia Union University). Carroll loved Shombe Jackson (SJ), the son he never had. He was his all-around coach, mentor, advisor, and supporter. Carroll could be seen and heard coaching with excitement from the stands. He has taken in many children under his wing to give advice, a helping hand and a place to live.   As an assistant coach for Thomas Dale Football Team, he was a mentor and impacted many. Carroll shared his failures, successes, setbacks, health challenges and experiences with others as a testament that with God all things are possible.  When you encountered Carroll’s laid-back demeanor and presence you would have had your own Carroll Briggs story.  

Carroll is survived by his wife of 37 years, Vanessa Briggs; daughter, Geneè Briggs; raised as daughters, Keisha Martin and ZaChantè Martin; raised as a son,  Shombe Jackson;  three devoted sisters, Shirl Isley, Jacquelyn Briggs, and Gwenette B. Jones (Rev. Leonard H. Jones II); two devoted brothers, William Briggs and Elder Ronald Briggs; two devoted aunts, Mary Redd Nelson (Clarence) and Virginia Baugh;  devoted uncle, Paul Redd (Mary); devoted mother-in-law, Regina Jefferson; sisters-in-law, Mary Hargraves; devoted, Gloria Allen (Robert);  brothers-in-law, Harry Jefferson (Ella) and Glenn Jefferson; devoted, Ivan Jefferson (Betty),  Pastor Raymond Bradley (Angela); devoted family and friends, Herbert McGill & family, Mario Villegas, Richard Walker, Charles Coleman & family, Terry Wade & family, Baugh family, Pastor Kenneth Swann & family, Marion Swann,  Elder Barbara Jones, Deirdre Marshall, Ronald Briggs, Jr. Esq., MarQuinn “Quinn” Allen, Montell Rollins, Betty Jean Redd, Kenneth Taylor, Patricia Anderson, Ricky Harris, Yvonne Brown, Juliet Duncan, Darryl England, Darious Martinez, David Briggs, Richard Wyatt, Russell West, Henry Jefferson, John Waller, Rodney Jones, Earl Fisher, Burrell Fisher, Tony and Dolly Lively, Dr. Renia & Dr. James Cobbs,  Anita Reese, Tamika Ambani, Isheena and Kiyanna Whitaker, Mary Howard, Tramal Howard, Jordan Harper, Ashley Blunt, Mitchell Frye, the Kappa Alpha Psi line of Spring 1980,  and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.   

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Tabernacle Church, 418 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., Pastor, Rev. Dr. Juanita A. W. Harrison, eulogist and Rev. Pate Pearson, officiating. The interment to follow at the Brown Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, January 28, 2022 at the funeral establishment.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.