Thelma spent her early years growing up in the Selma community. She attended Selma Rosenwald Elementary School and Monticello High School. She also attended Arkansas AM&N College and majored in Accounting for three years before, heading to Chicago, IL where she worked at RR Donnelley & Sons Printing Company for 30+ years before retiring and returning to Selma.
At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at Sixteen Section Missionary Baptist Church. Later, in Chicago, she was a member of New Friendship Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for several years.
Thelma spent her entire life devoted to her immediate family. Her favorite pastime was spent cooking and entertaining family.
She made her transition peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at approximately 9:40 a.m. in hospice care at Waters of White Hall in Pine Bluff (White Hall), Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Willie M. Ferrell (1928-2014), and four brothers, Adrian Briggs (1943-1996), Earl Briggs (1932-2007), Curtis Briggs (1941-2008) and Virgil Briggs (1945-2015).
Those left to cherish her memory include sisters, Narvel B. May of Dallas, TX, and Gladys Briggs of Chicago, IL; brothers, Edward Briggs of Acton, MA, Jessie Lee Briggs of Mt. Morris, MI, William T. Briggs of Dermott, AR, Bennie Briggs of Pine Bluff, AR; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
We will forever remember Thelma.
Condolences(11)
Gilbert Bellamy
Grand Prairie, TX Friday, August 14, 2020 May your memories be a blessing. Rest In PeaceGladys Briggs
Chicago, IL Friday, August 14, 2020 Hey sis you will surely be missed but not forgotten. Rest in Peace. Your sis. Gladys.Faye
Los Angeles, CA Thursday, August 13, 2020 Thelma will always be remembered...May she rest in peace...Narvel Briggs May
Grand Prairie, TX Thursday, August 13, 2020 I love you sister. I’m gonna miss you. NarvelBennie Briggs
Pine bluff, AR Thursday, August 13, 2020 Gone but not forgotten love brotherTameka Butler-Jones
LITTLE ROCK, AR Thursday, August 13, 2020 Rest in peace Cousin Thelma.Carla Briggs
Los Angeles, CA Thursday, August 13, 2020 We Love You! Rest In Peace Aunt Thelma! My Thoughts And Prayers Are With Our Family!Everett
Monticello, AR Wednesday, August 12, 2020 Praying for the Family. May God be your strength.Carneval Bellamy
Grand Prairie, TX Wednesday, August 12, 2020 Rest In Peace Aunt Thelma.Edwin & Tanya May
Grand Prairie, TX Wednesday, August 12, 2020 Sending God’s every blessing to our family as we say goodbye to Aunt Thelma.Ray & Linda Everett
Pine Bluff, AR Wednesday, August 12, 2020 Thoughts and Prayers are with The Briggs Family. May God continue to Bless the family always.