"We are so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful, caring, and loving person. We will miss talking to Dorothy at the family reunions. She will never be forgotten. With deepest sympathy, Lee and Pat Cassabaum an family"
In loving memory of
Dorothy A. Briggs
February 17, 1934 - June 10, 2017
Dorothy Ann Keller Briggs, 83, of Muscatine passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2017 in her home surrounded by her family.
Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at the Island United Methodist Church. A private burial will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. Casket bearers will be her grandsons, Michael Briggs, Brian Briggs, Christopher Leaver, Tim Blood, Jason Miller, Spencer Kimbro, Scott Carpenter, Kevin Jeffrey, and Tim Brown. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Island United Methodist Church, Musserville United Methodist Church or the Fruitland Fire Department. The family has appreciated the love, support, and friendship from extended family members and friends for the past year.
Dorothy was born on February 17, 1934, in Muscatine; she was the second of four girls born to Donald H. and Margaret M. Durst Keller. She graduated from Muscatine High School, class of 1952. In school, she lettered in Marching Band. She also enjoyed playing the piano.
She married John D. Briggs on February 1, 1952, in Louisa County. Before John's passing, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Through the years, they build a life around family and service to the church and community.
Dorothy worked primarily for the Muscatine Community Schools as an Elementary Librarian at Franklin, School Secretary at Franklin and Madison and at the district office. She retired with over 30 years of service.
Dorothy was a lifelong member of the Musserville United Methodist Church where she was active in the United Methodist Women. She also attended the Island United Methodist Church with her family. She enjoyed many hobbies, such as sewing, ceramics, cooking, quilting, and knitting. Dorothy enjoyed camping and fishing with her family and friends. She also served as a Girl Scout leader at Franklin Elementary School. She was a mother who passed many skills to her children and grandchildren, but first and foremost was to be respectable and caring.
Those left to honor her memory include daughter Deborah S. McNamara and husband, Robert, of Uniontown, Ohio; one son, Donald D. Briggs and wife, Debra of Fruitland; daughter, Susan K. Phillips, of Muscatine; and daughter, Sandra L. Freitag and husband, Brian, of Muscatine; nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Judy Mundy of Readyville, Tennessee; and Patricia J. Keller, of Muscatine.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2012 and one sister, Donna Welsch.
Tributes
"I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Briggs. She was one of the nicest ladies I have ever met. I think she is the reason I first started loving books and reading. We all loved her at Franklin School. She was a very special lady. May she rest in peace."
"Dear Briggs family, What an awesome person. Knew her all my life as a wonderful "South end" mother and genuine person, librarian and a person who really cared. Enjoyed working with her through estate sales etc. You had the best."
"She was much loved and much respected. May your hearts be filled with love and peace"
"sandy I am so sorry for your loss of your mother . may she rest in peace "
"Sandy, your mom must have been a pretty special lady, as she raised a pretty special daughter. Wanted you to know your co-workers are thinking of you in your time of need."
"I am so sorry to hear that your mother has passed away. She was one of my favorite "adults" when I was in elementary school at Franklin and although I had not seen her for years, she still remembered me when I ran into her at the grocery store. My deepest sympathies."
"Our deepest sympathy to the entire Briggs family. Dorothy was the epitome of a dear, sweet lady. She will be missed."
"To all The Briggs Family, Debbie and I are so sorry to hear the loss of your loved one...Please take care a d know you are in our thoughts... Eldon and Debbie Ballenger"
"To all The Briggs Family, Debbie and I are so sorry to hear the loss of your loved one...Please take care a d know you are in our thoughts... Eldon and Debbie Ballenger"
"My first acquaintance with Dorothy was when I was in sixth grade at Franklin School and she and Mrs. Tobias were our Girl Scout leaders. In later years are husbands met often on the softball fields and families were an important part of the activities. May she rest in peace. Our sympathy to all of the family. "
"Mrs Briggs you will be missed Family has our deepest sympathy ."
"To Dorothy's family I extend my sympathy and condolences. Dorothy and I were good friends in our years at MHS. We kind of lost track of each other after graduation and our marriages. May God be with each of you during this time of sorrow, may your memories always keep Dorothy in your heart. "