Mary Belle Briggs

Born May 5, 1939 in Evergreen Alabama to the late James and Laura (Jones) Thomas Mary Belle also affectionately known as May Bell and "The Bell Bell" became a member of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where she received Christ at an early age and baptized!!

She graduated from Conecuh County Training School in 1958. She relocated to Chicago, Illinois where she was later united in marriage to Richard David Jones Sr. This union was blessed with two sons Richard David Jones Jr. and Don Tyrone Jones Sr.

Mary Belle later moved to Ohio and married Willie James Briggs and to their union a daughter was born Paula Briggs. She was employed by Rustoria Dining Services for 10 years (General Motors cafeteria) retiring from Mansfield City School systems with 25 years of service as the Head of Salad and Dessert cook. Mom loved cooking, and could make the best pound cakes you have ever tasted. Mom also had a passion for sewing, she enjoyed in her past time watching Lets Make a Deal, Price Is Right; and her favorite Westerns were Raw Hide, GunSmoke, High Chaparral, and the Virginian!

A more important aspect of her life was going to church; she loved the Lord and she served to her fullest capacity as Deaconess, Missionary, and Mothers Board. Mom loved Providence Baptist Church with her membership beginning April 12th 1970. Mom you have been a guiding light and solid rock in our family and community!

In addition to her parents Mary Belle was preceded in death by a son Don Tyrone Jones Sr. two sisters Pauline (brother-in-law Anderson) Moore and Emma Reen Culliver and a brother Willie James Thomas.

She leaves to cherish her memory a son Mr. Richard D. (Cheryl) Jones, a loving daughter Ms. Paula Briggs, 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, special nephews Jerome Moore Sr. & Tyrone Culliver, special niece Emma Peoples, 3 great nephews and a host of family and friends.