Geraldine Ruby Briggs

OBITUARY Geraldine Ruby Briggs, known to all as Geri, of Union, MO departed this life in Union, MO on Friday, November 3, 2023, having reached the age of ninety-one years, two months and eighteen days. Geri was born in Richwoods, MO on August 6, 1932, daughter of Raymond Elonzo Courtway and Corene Angeline Courtway. On December 8, 1956 she was united in marriage to Lawrence Augusta Briggs and seven children came to bless this union. Geri is survived by her son, Kenneth Briggs and wife, Michele, of Beaufort, MO; by her daughters, Debra Bass and husband, Danny, of St. Clair, MO, Mary Bradshaw and husband, Don, of Leslie, MO, Sharon Briggs Bullock and husband, Tim, of Bonne Terre, MO, Tammy Beede and husband, Ted, of Beaufort, MO, Lisa Gerling and husband, Dan, of Union, MO and Betty Berra and husband, Marty, of Washington, MO; by one brother, William Courtway and wife, Lucy, of Sullivan, MO; by twenty-three grandchildren, forty-five great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way; nieces, nephews, great, great-great and great-great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Geri was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Corene Courtway; by her husband, Lawrence Briggs; by eight brothers, Joe, Lawrence, Mike, Clyde, Raymond “Junior”, Henry, David and Clarence Courtway; and by her sisters, Joyce Todaro, Mildred Fox, Lorna Revelle and Mary Turntine. Geri was a Christian, having been raised in the Baptist faith and believing in the Lord as her Savior. During her working career she was employed by Sunset Nursing Center in Union, MO for thirteen years as a cook, as well as being employed at Walmart in Eureka, MO for ten years in the fabric department. Her favorite job though was caring for her home and raising her children and their friends. Geri loved watching the babies, and anyone else she could, and considered everyone in her neighborhood her family. She sold Avon and home interiors and made quilts, of which will be family heirlooms. Geri made the best biscuits and chicken and dumplings too. Geri also enjoyed, planting flowers and being in her garden. The love of her life was her pet dog, Baby. What meant most to her was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will be cherished by them all forever. A kind and loving mother, grandmother, great and great-great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great, great-great and great-great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Dick Hinson officiating. Interment will be in Anaconda Community Cemetery in St. Clair, MO

Geraldine Ruby Briggs

August 6, 1932 - November 3, 2023