Loretta Gertrude Briggs

Death is a joyful messenger of peace whose kind hand opens to the weary pilgrim the gate to immortality and lets the oppressed go free.

Loretta Gertrude Briggs, daughter of Ernest William Stanford and Sarah Barbara Stanford, was born February 21, 1934, in Preston, Maryland. She departed this life on July 24, 2025, at the Caroline Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Denton, Maryland, surrounded by her children.

Loretta was educated in the Delaware and Caroline County school systems. She maintained a close relationship with her classmates of Lockerman High School Class of 1953.

She was employed as a bookkeeper for Samuel Briggs Plumbing and Heating Company, an Avon representative, a bus driver for Caroline County, a teacher’s aide at Colonial Richardson Middle School, and a Solo Cup line person.

Her love for her family and friends was forever present in her words and deeds. She loved family gatherings, giving gifts, and sending cards.

During Loretta’s early years, she was taught the love of God at home and at St. Paul Church in Williston, Maryland. Love came calling and she and Reverend Samuel Briggs were united. Her membership was transferred to Solomon Aump Church in Williamsburg, Maryland, where she served in helping plan church programs and activities. In her role as First Lady of Solomon Aump Church, she served as bishop stewardess and worked with the minister’s wife and daughter committee in the Aump Conference and Connection.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Briggs; one son, Allen Briggs of Bridgeville, Delaware; one brother, Clyde Stanford; one sister, Christabel Brown; and one granddaughter, Rebecca Friend.

Loretta leaves to mourn her passing: one brother, Maurice Stanford of Federalsburg, MD, one daughter, Brenda Briggs of Seaford, Delaware; three sons, Kenneth Briggs (Francine) of Denton, Maryland, Michael Briggs (Janine) of Laurel, Delaware, and John Briggs (Chris) of Denton, Maryland; grandchildren, Tara Briggs (Sam) of Laurel, Delaware, Kendra Briggs of Laurel, Delaware, Cleonda Thompson of Denton, Maryland, Samantha Briggs (Randy) of Laurel, Delaware, Nicole Demby (Eric) of Dumfries, Virginia, Michael Eddy (Tamika) of Eden, Maryland, Mikeeha Briggs of Salisbury, Maryland, and Desmond Briggs (Shannon) of Waynesboro, Virginia; 19 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; special cousin, Barbra Cook; and special niece, Lorraine Troy.

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