John Elijah Briggs

J ohn Briggs was born on February 18, 1959, in Summerton, South Carolina, Clarendon County, to the late Bertha Brailsford Briggs and the late Elijah Briggs. He received his education from Scott's Branch High School in Clarendon County. On August 26, 2025, John peacefully departed this life at McLeod Hospice in Florence, South Carolina, surrounded by love. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, three aunts, and uncles. John was a man who lived simply but left a lasting impact.

He was a car mechanic by trade, with a natural gift and passion for working with cars. He also had a love for cooking and enjoyed his music. Over the years, John worked at Santee Cooper, Crescent Tools, and Summerton Apparel, dedicating himself to every role he held. Family was at the very center of John's heart. He helped raise his grandson, Trayvontae Allen, during his youth. His grandchildren were his joy, his spark, and his pride. It was through them that he lovingly became known as "G-Daddy." They will forever remember his kindness, devotion, and the special bond they shared with him. Above all, John will be remembered as a kind-hearted, humble, and loving man someone who touched lives with his quiet strength, genuine spirit, and unwavering love for family. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife, Helen Junious Briggs of the home; three daughters, Latosha Junious of Sandy Springs, GA, Shanda Oliver of Duluth, GA and Latonya (Andrae) Gor don of Summerton, SC; two sons, Anthony (Shalonda) Ragin of Summerton, SC and Randy Dingle of Liburn, GA; eight grandchildren, Rashanna and Kaniya Dingle of Ellenwood, GA, Trayvontae Allen of Sandy Springs, GA, Darnell Gordon of Sumter, SC, Emmanuel Collier of Atlanta, GA, Madison Gordon, Megan Gordon, Morgan Gordon, Melquan House, Diani Ragin, and Annaiya Ragin, all of Summerton, SC; three great-grandchildren, Faith Marie Clark of Ellenwood, GA, Jo'Elle T. Freeman-Allen of Sandy Springs, GA and Jaxton Gordon of Sumter, SC; four brothers, James (Romaine) Brailsford of Baltimore, MD, Bishop Ronnie Elijah Brailsford (Carolyn) and Steven Brailsford, both of Columbia, SC and George (Birdie) Green of Summerton, SC; five sisters, Ruth Ann (Jacob) Riley of Pinewood, SC, Margaret Ann Brailsford of Manning, SC, Carol (Joseph) Brown of Baltimore, MD, Rosa Gibbons and Dorothy Hillard, both of Summerton, SC; an aunt, Carrie Briggs Lawson; friends who were dear to him, Henry Richard son of Summerton, SC, Robert Lee Smith and Robert Lancaster, both of Sumter, SC; and Archie Brown of Macon, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Your friendship and love shall always be cherished. May God forever bless each of you.