Margaret Lee Briggs' Obituary
It is with deeply heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Margaret Lee (Gifford) Briggs. Margaret was born in Amsterdam, Missouri, on September 20, 1927, to parents Robert and Clara (Sours) Gifford. She departed this world peacefully from her Tulsa, Oklahoma, residence on August 27, 2024. Margaret touched the lives of many with her kindness and warmth. She will be forever missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Margaret was born and raised on a farm and was the oldest of six children. She lived in three states throughout her childhood. After graduating high school, Margaret left the small farming community of Garnett, Kansas, and moved to the big city of Topeka, Kansas, to find work. It was in Topeka that she met 12 young women just like her and chose to room with them in a boarding house. Margaret formed incredible friendships with her roommates that lasted for over 70 years. She always felt blessed knowing that she found such sisterhood in her friends and roommates.
It was also in Topeka where Margaret met and married her best friend and the absolute love of her life, her husband, Harold G. Briggs. They were married on January 10, 1948, in Topeka. To this union, Margaret and Harold were blessed with six children.
Margaret was always a kindhearted and gentle soul. She enjoyed her home and family deeply. There was nothing greater to her than the love she had for her family. Margaret’s hobbies included working in her yard. She loved to garden and said that her therapy was “digging in the dirt!” She also enjoyed completing crossword puzzles every day and was good at solving them. Margaret will be forever missed, but her legacy will continue in her children and grandchildren.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Clara Gifford; her husband, Harold G. Briggs; her grandson, Rick Briggs; her granddaughter, Christie Gauthier; as well as her brothers, Robert Gifford; William Gifford; and sister, Edna (Gifford) Fluke.
She is survived by her sons: Richard H. Briggs and wife Juanita of Woodlake, California; Robert G. Briggs of Menifee, California; Roger L. Briggs of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Daniel K. Briggs; and her daughters, Susan (Briggs) Barnes of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Barbara J. Briggs of Riverside, California. Additionally, Margaret leaves behind to cherish her memory six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Margaret always loved the babies and absolutely loved being a grandma!
In lieu of flowers, Margaret's family would kindly like to request memorial donations be made out in her name to B+C Equine Rescue. Donations may be sent to 740 W 125th St, Carbondale, KS 66414 or via Paypal to [email protected]
A public visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Floral Haven Funeral Home: 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
A funeral service to honor the life of Margaret will be held at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel, located at 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012, with Brandon McCombs officiating. There will be no formal graveside committal to follow per family request. Margaret will be laid to rest at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in the Garden of St. Paul.
Margaret's service will be livestreamed for anyone unable to physically attend: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/104257
A reception will be held once the chapel service concludes from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM at Floral Haven’s Family Center. Margaret's family would like to warmly extend an invitation to anyone wishing to attend the reception in order to continue in fellowship and the sharing of memories. The Floral Haven Family Center is also located at Floral Haven Funeral Home, 6420 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
Arrangements are entrusted to Floral Haven Funeral Home.
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