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Michael James Briggs of Blackwell, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord on Friday, August 7, 2020, in the O.U. Health Center in Oklahoma City at the age of 76 years.
Michael James Briggs was born on November 16, 1943, to Bernice Rogers Briggs and Ray Rowland Briggs in Kansas City, Kansas.
This is his story as told by Marsha -
Mike attended Blackwell Public Schools where he graduated in 1961. Not a scholar, he was active in sports including football, basketball and baseball. It was there he and Jim Rodgers became lifelong friends and Mike walked to Jim’s office to visit just the other day. Mike enjoyed life so much so that in the first half he became an alcoholic. After several attempts at sobriety, he entered Valley Hope where a life-saving moment came. On November 11, 1985, his obsession to drink was removed.
His twelve steps to sobriety were supported by friends in Alcoholics Anonymous. Dreams can be powerful. Karen, my sister dreamed we would marry months before we even met! We began dating on his one year anniversary. During that time he found God, moved forward and never looked back. We talked about marriage, but some were apprehensive. Then I had a dream in which I said, “Daddy, what do you think?” As plain as day he replied, “I like him!” My father had died in 1985. That settled it; we married November 1, 1986. From then on we were committed to one another. There was no concern about what had gone before. Alcohol was never a part of our lives.
Through the seasons of life we loved each other unconditionally. We were consistent with faith in God and Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Mike’s belief was simple. Put God first, love people and be kind to animals.
When it came time for him to leave us, God gifted us with good health. He only spent seven days in the hospital. The stroke and heart failure became too much for my “selfless” husband. In the hospital room, with machines removed and no sedation, he experienced comfort and peace. We held his hands, kissed his rosy cheeks and soothed his forehead. His eyes opened and closed and he took deep breaths. Then he looked straight up with eyes wide open. I know he saw heaven and Jesus saying, “Come on, you’re ready!”
I didn’t want him to leave, but it wasn’t about me. We had the hard talks and knew our wish for each other. I would never love anyone more! I was given a beautiful gift.
Many rejoice and mourn Mike’s passage to heaven. He adored his family; wife, Marsha Lee Briggs; daughter-in-law, Audrey Briggs; granddaughter, Sarah Briggs; grandsons, Robbie Briggs and Alex Briggs and his wife Hannah and their daughters, Charlee and Harper; his sister, Kathy Hawkins and husband Roger; sister-in-law, Carolee Briggs; nieces and nephews, Paul Briggs and wife Elaine, Barry Briggs and wife Shari, Greg Briggs and wife Tina, Sinden Clark and husband Matt, and their son, Isaiah and Shelly Painter; and our loving Blackwell family, Bridget and Chad Dollarhide and their sons, Drew and Kyle, Heidi and Sam Ashford and their children, Faith, Lydia, Ivy, Emily and Owen, and Heather Niles. Other survivors include two sons, Robert Ray Briggs and Michael Scott Briggs and wife Beth and their children, Mackenzie, Josiah, Leah, Ryan and Dakota.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rowland Briggs; a niece, Shannon; a great niece, Hope; and his mother and father-in-law.
A come and go reception to honor him will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15th in the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall. Light food and snacks will be available. Masks are required.
A memorial has been established in his honor with the First Christian Church in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.
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