Lanora "Lynn" Briggs

1932 - 2020

Lanora "Lynn" Briggs, Sullivan, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020.

She was born to Gilbert and Frances Sterling, Oct. 6, 1932, in Lonedell, 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 U.S. 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 30s, she attended college in order to get her degree to become a teacher's aide. After Marvin retired, she 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 pickup 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! Lynn 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 40s, she played on the church baseball team. Lynn was an avid Cardinals 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.

Lynn was preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Debbie Briggs; daughter-in-law, Barb Briggs; and great-grandchild, sweet Colby O'Dell.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Briggs, Sullivan; 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, Kiersten Hawkins, Ava Hawkins, Kaydance Harms, Grayson Harms, Liam Briggs, Everlee Briggs, Mae Bean, Hunter Bean, Sadie O'Dell and Cooper O'Dell; two sisters; a brother; many nieces 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.