Mary Bernice Briggs of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died early Wednesday morning April 22, 2009, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital in Blackwell at the age of 90 years.

Mary Bernice Briggs was born on December 1, 1918, in Banner, Oklahoma, to James B. and Mary Susanna (Cooley) Rogers III. She grew up in Banner attending Banner Schools before transferring to the El Reno Public Schools graduating in 1935. She married Ray Rowland Briggs on December 1, 1936 in El Reno and they settled in Baker, Montana. During World War II her husband worked in aircraft production and they moved to Kansas City, Kansas, before transferring to Marietta, Georgia. Following the war they returned to El Reno before moving to Blackwell in 1948. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Security Bank and Trust in Blackwell for many years retiring as a vice-president. She then began working for the Don Loftis Insurance Agency until her final retirement. Her husband preceded her in death on June 27, 1966, and she continued to make Blackwell her home. She was an active member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Blackwell where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was also active in the Women's Missionary Union and worked as a volunteer for the American Red Cross and the Blackwell Regional Hospital. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, cooking for her family and her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Hawkins and husband Roger of Blackwell, Oklahoma; her son, Mike Briggs and wife Marsha of Blackwell, Oklahoma; her daughter-in-law, Carolee Briggs of Blackwell, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Shannon Emmons and husband Stuart of Norman, Oklahoma, Shelly Paynter of Greeley, Colorado, Sinden Clark and husband Matt of Houston, Texas, Robert Briggs and wife Audrey of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Scott Briggs and wife Beth of Lynchburg, Virginia, Greg Briggs and wife Tina of Bethany, Oklahoma, Barry Briggs and wife Shari of Blackwell, Oklahoma, and Dr. Paul Briggs and wife Elaine of Blackwell, Oklahoma; and nineteen great grandchildren, Zachary Massey, Sean Massey, Will Emmons, Isaiah Clark, Alex Briggs, Robbie Briggs, Sarah Briggs, Mackenzie Briggs, Josiah Briggs, Leah Briggs, Ryan Briggs, Rebecca Briggs, Stephen Briggs, Stacey Briggs, Micah Briggs, Ty Briggs, Joshua Briggs, Erin Briggs and Phillip Briggs.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Rowland Ray Briggs; and a brother, J. B. Rogers IV.

Services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 25th in the Immanuel Baptist Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Matt Smith officiating. A private family burial will take place in the Blackwell Cemetery prior to the church service.

Honorary casketbearers will be Shannon Emmons, Shelly Paynter, Sinden Clark, Robert Briggs, Scott Briggs, Barry Briggs, Dr. Paul Briggs and Greg Briggs.

A memorial has been established with the Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.