EMORY "ERNEST" BRIGGS
MARS HILL: Emory "Ernest" Briggs 96, of Mars Hill passed away March 18, 2011 on his loving wife's 89th birthday at Emerald Ridge Rehabilitation Center. A native of Madison County and retired farmer, he was the son of the late Samuel "Jeter" and Maggie Buckner Briggs. His mother passed away when he was 18 days old and he was reared by his grandfather, grandmother and step grandmother, the late Sam and Sarah Ann Buckner and Janie Barnett Buckner . Mr. Briggs is also preceded in death by sisters, Bessie Barrett, Kate Robinson, Dessie Briggs, brother Carrol Briggs and great grandson Dustin Earl Towery.
Mr. Briggs is survived by his wife of 72 years; Zola Barrett Briggs, daughter; Loretta Briggs Ballard and husband Shelby of Weaverville, Sons; Emory Briggs of Mars Hill and best friend Beverly Wright of Weaverville, Bernard Briggs and wife Brenda of Mars Hill, Sammy Briggs and wife Phyllis of Weaverville, Bruce Briggs and wife Magdelene of Asheville. Twelve grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, March 21,2011 in Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Revs. Steven Glover and Allen Rash will officiate. Ernest Briggs was of Baptist faith. Burial will follow in the California Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00 - 5:00 Sunday, March 20, at the funeral home.
The family has requested instead of flowers donations can be made in his memory to the Broyhill Baptist Children's Home, 111 Sneed Drive, Clyde,NC 28721.