Jo Etta Briggs, 77, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Monday, August 10, 2020 in the comforts of her home surrounded by the love of her family. She was born September 28, 1942 in Mount Carmel, the daughter of Jon Chapman and Thelma Birkla Leach. She married Larry Briggs on August 14, 1960 and for nearly sixty years they have enjoyed life together centered around their family.
Jo Etta was a member of the MCHS graduating class of 1960 and proud to be a part of the marching band. She and Larry were avid sports fans and Aces supporters. They regularly attended Aces football games, were supporters of WVC players and greatly enjoyed attending the basketball championship finals in Champaign. Jo Etta was a member of the Women’s Golf Association and she and Larry both could often be found out on the course.
Jo Etta lead an active life. She liked sewing, quilting and working in her yard. She was a member of Homespun Quilters club where she enjoyed the company of fellow quilters. Jo Etta was a past president of the Parent Teacher’s Association, a member of the Mt. Carmel Women’s Club and the Wabash General Auxiliary. She enjoyed singing with the Wabash Valley College choir. She had a very loving, caring nature. She spent time as a Hospice volunteer and was a long time Red Cross blood donor.
Jo Etta was an active member of the First General Baptist Church. She loved her church family and helping with ministries there. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Spoiling her grandchildren was a favorite thing to do. She was loved by all who knew her and she will be dearly missed.
Jo Etta will forever be remembered by her loving husband, Larry; daughters, Jaymie Lang and her husband Bobby of Big Spring Texas, Chris Brown of Mount Carmel; five grandchildren, Amy Lang (Russell), Ashley Born (Brice), Larry Curt Lang, Dylan Brown, Dawson Brown; great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Corley, Shae Lang, Peyton Shifflett, Cade Born, Dakota Born; brother and sister-in-law, James and Jo Ann Briggs.
Jo Etta was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Howard Leach; mother and father-in-law, Ruth and Forest Briggs.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 13, 2020 at the First General Baptist Church, 120 West 12th St. Mt. Carmel, Illinois.
Social distancing practices will be in place and face coverings would be appreciated.
Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 14, 2020 at the First General Baptist Church with pastor Gary Underwood Officiating. Entombment will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jo Etta’s memory to the Wabash General Hospital Foundation or the Lunch Wagon. Envelopes will be at the Church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Jo Etta’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave a note of condolences for the Briggs family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
