Esther Briggs

ESTHER MAE BRIGGS, 86, died at 9:35 p.m. February 28, 2005, at Shawnee Manor Nursing Home. She was born March 2, 1918, in Lima, Ohio to Clifford and Gail I. East Miller, who preceded her in death. On March 2, 1939, she married Ruben B. Briggs, who died September 22, 1987. Mrs. Briggs was a homemaker. She was a member of Calvary Bible Church, where she was a member of the Prayer Warriors Group, sang in the choir and was the church historian. She was a member of the Ladies of Row 5. Her greatest enjoyment was baking cookies, making jam and growing and tending to her flowers in and outside of the house. She loved being a mother and grandmother. Survivors include four sons, James G. (Debbie) Briggs of Lima, Ohio, Bobby B. (Kathy) Briggs of Springfield, N.Carolina, and Michael H. (Susie) Briggs and Samuel T. (Mariann) Briggs, both of Lima, Ohio; a daughter, Suzi A. (Glen) Sawmiller of Lima, Ohio; a daughter-in-law, Betty Briggs of Defiance, Ohio; and 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Jeannette Briggs; a son, Terry Lee Briggs; a grandson, David Briggs; a brother, James Miller; and two sisters, Evelyn Dickman and Yvonne Lee. Services will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at Calvary Bible Church. The Rev. Keith Hamblen will officiate. Burial will be in Amanda Baptist Church, Spencerville. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Friday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Lima Christian Academy, 3180 W. Elm St., Lima, OH 45805; or St. Rita's Hospice, 770 W. North St., Lima, OH 45801. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.