Mother Bertie Lee McCray Briggs

Mother Bertie Lee McCray Briggs was born September 15, 1939, the tenth of eleven children born to the late Cubit McCray, Sr., and the late Bertha Williams McCray Bethel in the Live Oak Community, in Clarendon County, South Carolina. The last surviving member of the McCray family, Mother Briggs peacefully transitioned from this life in the early hours of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at her home. She moved from time to eternity with grace, faith and quiet strength. Her life is a testament of humility, compassion, laughter and unwavering love.

Mother Bertie Briggs was affectionately known as “Emma” by her family and friends in and around the Manning area, received her education in the public schools of Clarendon County. She was raised by God fearing parents whose lives were grounded in faith in God, strong family values, and a steadfast commitment to hard work.  She will always be cherished for her unwavering love for God, beloved husband and children. 

“For whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”- Ruth 1:16

Mother Briggs faithfully served in numerous leadership roles within Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ, including First Lady, County Mother, State Mother, and District Mother. Yet, among the many honors and titles she held, we believe those she cherished most were Wife, Mother, and Homemaker. These roles reflected the love, devotion, and selfless spirit that defined both her life and her enduring legacy.

Mother Briggs will also be remembered for her passion for collecting antiques, hats, and dolls. Her treasured collections reflected her appreciation for beauty, history, and the simple joys that enriched her life.

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13 (KJV)

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-eight years, Apostle Floyd Earl Briggs, Sr.; seven brothers, Cubit McCray, Jr., Johnny McCray, Lee Ernest McCray, Albertis (Bert) McCray, Willie McCray, Joe McCray and James (Jack) McCray; and three sisters, Bessie McCray Jenkins, Pearl McCray Lewis and Minnie McCray Bellinger.

She leaves to cherish her memories four sons, Retired First Master Sergeant Mark (Ivenia) Briggs, of Columbia, SC, Retired Master Sergeant Curtis (Molly) Briggs of San Antonio, TX, Floyd Jr. (Melissa) Briggs of Columbia, SC, Elder Eric V (Chrystal) Briggs of Blythewood, SC; two daughters, Jannis Milhouse of Columbia, SC, and Debra (Maurice) Monroe of Irmo, SC; grandchildren, Marquise, Grenasha (Wannisa), Darren, Ashley, Tesuan, D’Metri, Jessica, Elizabeth, Malik (Oceanna), Kelsey, Arlen II (Delia), Kairra Symone’, William, Eric Jordan, DaJon, Justin, Arabella, Kennedi and Joziah; bonus grandchildren, Ramyiah, Rayonna “Star”; great grandchildren, Lauren, Ke’Ariyah, Ke’Andrae, Chance, Malia, Island, Selene, Kingston, Kadence, Alaia, Nyla and Isla; brothers-in-law, Job (Renae) Briggs of Lancaster, CA, Titus (Vanessa) Briggs of Columbia, SC, and Charlie (Charlotte) Briggs of Lancaster, CA; sisters-in-law, Josephine Thompson McCray of Sumter, SC, Naomi Briggs Small of Lithonia, GA, Mary Ellen Briggs of Columbia, SC and Nancy Briggs of New York; stepmother, Myrtle Koon Briggs; and a host of nieces and nephews, aunt, uncles and other extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.

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