Bea Briggs Obituary (1920 - 2014)

On Sunday, October 26, 2014, the Decatur area lost a woman of indomitable spirit. After a brief illness, we said good-bye to Bea Davenport Briggs, 94. Anyone who knew her could tell you that Bea was one of those truly unique individuals. Creative, open minded, a voracious reader and ever optimistic, she was someone who always persevered. A leader by nature, she was deeply engaged in everything she took interest in. Libraries. Quilting. Church. Teaching. 4H. Home Extension. The list goes on. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a Masters Degree in Library Science she embraced life with vigor and grace. She also made a wicked pecan pie. Marrying Irwin Davenport in 1943, she honed her skills adding mother, farmer's wife and seamstress to her list of "stuff I can do". Bea's knowing look could inspire, challenge or comfort. Her love also knew no bounds. Marrying Lou Briggs later in her life path, she grew her family even more to include his family from Stonington, IL. A celebration of her accomplishments and legacy will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Argenta Presbyterian Church. Visitation has been scheduled from noon until the start of the service. Burial will take place in Friends Creek Cemetery. Survivors include her daughters, Jeanne Helm and her husband Ron of Oreana, IL; Ellen Williams and her husband Gene of Effingham, IL; Harriet Kubo and her husband Gary of Lisle, IL; Lora Prochaska and her husband Ed of Rockford, IL. Eight adoring grandchildren and three great grandchildren are also missing their Grandma. Bea will be missed by the Briggs' family Bev, Margi, Nancy, Marti, Nancy, their spouses, children and grandchildren. The family would also like to give a special thanks to the Tanglewood Team Doris, you rock! Memorials can be made to the Argenta Presbyterian Church or the Rock Springs Conservation Area & Nature Center. Please sign the family condolence book at www.dawson-wikoff.com