Esther Imogene "Jean" Briggs

1932 - 2025

Aug 3, 1932 - Dec 5, 2025

She was born August 3, 1932, in Benville, Illinois, to Markie Glen and Mabel Alice (Davis) Newton. She married Robert Lyle Briggs on March 1, 1953, who preceded her in death.

Jean is survived by her sons, Rick Briggs (Sharon) of Springfield, James Briggs (Diane) of Sherman, Phillip Briggs (Teresa) of Greenville, SC, and daughter, Julie Roland (Matt) of Springfield. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Stefanie Briggs (companion Nathan), Shea Moore (Brett), Emily Yow (Ryan), Ethan Briggs, Miles Roland, Alaina Roland, Cooper Briggs, Stacey Bock (Chad); great grandchildren, Madison Owczarzak (fiancé Brayden), Rosalie Moore, Hudson Milspaugh, Ryder Milspaugh, Brantley Yow, Parker Moore, Elliott Yow, Stone Terlesky (Robbie), Hunter Kaeb (Brian), Savanah Milspaugh, Kristopher Smith (Courtney); great-great grandchildren, Jasper Davis, Stetson Kaeb, Sutton Terlesky, Wilder Smith; sister, Naydene Davis; sister-in-law, Judy Newton; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Monica Eifert; brother, Donald Newton; and brothers-in-law, George Eifert and Rex Davis.

Jean grew up in rural Mt. Sterling, Illinois and loved her farm-life country upbringing and her family. She attended Benville country grade school, then Brown County High School where she graduated with the class of 1952. She then attended and graduated from St. John's nursing school in Springfield, Illinois before marrying her high school sweetheart, Robert Briggs. They lived in Luxembourg, Germany then Spokane, Washington where he was stationed in the Air Force. They started their family in Washington where their son, Rick, was born, before moving back to Springfield, IL where she worked as an RN at Memorial Hospital while continuing to grow their family with son, James. She worked at Doctor's Hospital as a nurse for over 30 years. They settled in Ashland, Illinois to raise their family where she had son, Phil, and later, daughter, Julie.

Jean was a kind, light-hearted and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother who dedicated her life to taking care of her family, patients, and her community. She cherished fond memories of her farm life upbringing with her three siblings and parents and loved to tell stories about it. She was a steadfast wife and mother. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. As a local RN, she always welcomed calls for advice. She was an avid baker and lovingly made many delicious home-cooked meals in the warm home she created. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Ashland and their Women's Club and Bible Study group. Her and her friends enjoyed a card club where they played pinochle and hosted rotating house parties. In retirement she volunteered with Hospice in Beardstown.

Jean had a radiant smile and her laughter and contentment were contagious. She brought loving kindness to any room she entered and had a constant and wonderful sense of humor.

A funeral service will be held 11 A.M. Monday, December 15, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Ashland, with burial to follow at Ashland Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 10 to 11 A.M. prior to the service.

Memorial donations may be made to Prairie Cardiovascular Foundation or to the Ashland Fire Department.

The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.