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Mattie Lee Johnson Briggs was born August 2, 1932, in Sunny Hill, Louisiana. On Monday, January 18, 2015, 11:15 a.m. at St. Joseph Hospice Carpenter House, Mattie entered that realm of life that is peaceful and eternal. She died quietly surrounded by her brother, children (spouses) and grandchildren, family, and friends. Mattie acknowledged Christ and was baptized at an early age by the late Reverend Willard Vernon at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Mount Herman, Louisiana. After relocating to Baton Rouge she joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in 1962. Mattie married Richard Briggs, Sr. and to that union nine children were born: Lula, Willie, Betty, Ronnell, Shannon, Phyllis, Vanessa, Antoinette and Richard, Jr. Mattie was a phenomenal woman. She was a very devoted wife, mother and homemaker. An avid reader she often stayed up all night to do so. Her life was filled with doing for and sharing with others. She would take on any job from outside massive gardening to volunteering in her children and grandchildren schools to canning fruits and vegetables. She was always her husband's helpmate when he worked as a self-employed cement finisher, writing estimates and invoices. Mattie was a "community mother" to many. She loved and mentored nieces, nephews and numerous children in her community; constantly helping to shape, mold and encourage them as she did her birth children to reach the heights of their potential. With her children, Mattie shared the joys and celebrations and pangs of their life challenges. She constantly reminded them of the Serenity Prayer. The grandchildren from all those unions were her pride and joy. She had the pleasure of witnessing all of their school activities – graduations, weddings, games, dance recitals as she had with her children. She showered them with words of encouragement, stories, gifts and most importantly her presence. Mattie leaves to cherish her loving memory: four sons, Willie Briggs (Sandra), Ronnell Briggs, Shannon Briggs and Richard Briggs, Jr.; four daughters Betty Valentine, Phyllis Anderson (Simpson), Vanessa Briggs and Antoinette Perrilloux (Quincy) all of Baton Rouge; one brother Jimmie Johnson – Baton Rouge, twenty-two grandchildren, thirty-five great grandchildren, three great- great grandchildren and two sisters-in-law Harriet Johnson and Clementine Johnson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Briggs, Sr., daughter, Lula Hayes, granddaughter, Mallory Briggs, parents, Richard and Earnestine Johnson, and six siblings, Alton, Alvia Mae, Elliott, Leroy, Hosie and Charlie preceded her in death. Her surviving youngest brother, Jimmie Johnson resides in Baton Rouge.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
While there is nothing that I can say to help you ease your sorrow, take comfort in the knowledge that there will always be tomorrow. Let her spirit fill you with strength and love may it help the pain decrease, as each day that bring a glorious dawn creates an inner peace. With my most sincerest and deepest condolences for your loss.
Robert & Vanessa Goins and family
January 26, 2015
To: Children of Mrs. Mattie Briggs
Hoping you will always feel the love of your mother and the great times you spent with her.
Louis & Irma Briggs
January 25, 2015
Your mom is present with he who gives eternal life. Remember the things that she taught you and let your life be a legacy to her. Keep her memories close to your heart and know that God will take care of you.
Linda Charleston Bankston
January 24, 2015
Mrs. Briggs and I were neighbors for years. We shared in the success of our children and grandchildren. She even joined our Mission group at NSBC. She enjoyed the fellowship and discussing the Lessons; often sharing God's goodness to her and her family. My heart is heavy and I, too, share your loss.
Eddie, Jeannine Sims Johnson, and children.
January 24, 2015
To my family the Briggs, I love you all. May the Lord bless you and keep you. We were friends and neighbors for years. My mother and your mother were like sisters which made us family. I pray your continued strength in the Jesus name.
Love, Linda , Larry Aaron & Andrew Vessel.
linda vessel
January 24, 2015
tangie colbert
January 24, 2015
To the Briggs Family:
Sorry to hear of your loss. May God grant you comfort and peace during the time of your sorrow.
Lovie Frank
January 23, 2015
May God keep you during your time of sorrow.
Joseph & Aleatha Garner
January 23, 2015
May God Bless each and everyone of you during you time of sorrow.
Jeanette Banks
January 23, 2015
To the Briggs Family, My deepest condolences to you. Remember "To be absent from the body...is to be present with the Lord." May God bless and keep you.
Rita Rushing
January 23, 2015
Dear Briggs Family, as I read Cousin Mattie's obituary, it became clear to me that she lived a long, happy and full life. My prayer is that God will grant you peace during this difficult time.
Cousin Sheila Dyson - Lewis
January 23, 2015
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