Eileen Pearl Briggs

Eileen P. Briggs, 94, went peacefully home to the Lord on February 19, 2019. Eileen was most recently a vibrant resident of Brookdale Oaks Senior Living Community, Jackson, TN where she went to live “to have more to do”. Her joyful spirit and contagious laugh were immediately appreciated.
Born in Parkersburg, WV March 16, 1924 to Harry T. and Lenna E. Lambert, she spent the majority of her adult life in Ohio. It was there that she met the love of her life Ralph J. Briggs. Although his career would move them around the Midwest, Cincinnati and Westerville Ohio were primarily home for the Briggs and their son Steve. In 2006, Eileen moved to Selmer, TN to live with her son and his family. Eileen’s life was characterized by faith and laughter. She was tireless and unselfish in her caregiving to her mother-in-law, mother, and her husband. Wherever she lived, Eileen was a dedicated volunteer. She was especially committed to the American Red Cross in both Cincinnati and Westerville, OH, serving as a driver for many years. She was a faithful volunteer at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital in Westerville, OH. Upon moving to Selmer at the age of 82 she immediately began volunteering at McNairy County Hospital, only stopping because it closed. Although not a gardener per se, not many a weed survived her keen eye or enthusiasm for a tidy landscape.
Whether at church, in the outdoors, or with her hands on the piano, gratitude for her Savior Jesus Christ was a constant. These words from a framed favorite resonate for all those who mourn the loss of a beloved mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. “I love to tell the story: ‘Twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.”
She is survived by her daughter-in-law Dossie Briggs, grandchildren Jason Miller, Cassandra Morris, Maranatha Fagan, Joshua Briggs, Hannah Mardis, Yiriah Briggs, Katie Briggs, 13 great-grandchildren, and nine nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and brothers-in law, husband, son Jeremiah (Steve) and grandson Ezra Briggs.
Visitation hours will be held Sat. March 2 from 2:00-4:00 PM at Shackelford Funeral Home, Selmer, TN. A Celebration of Life will be held Sun. March 3 at 10:00 AM at the Rosecreek Village Town Hall, Selmer, TN. Graveside services will be held Friday, March 8 at 10:00 AM at Pioneer Cemetery in Westerville, OH.