Andrew Marvin Briggs, Jr. Obituary (1939 - 2016)

On Monday, November 14, 2016, the sun set for Andrew Marvin Briggs, Jr. of Midlothian, Virginia, when our Lord called him home. Andrew was the loving husband of Cherry Briggs, and father of six children, Anthony Briggs (deceased), Angela Briggs (deceased), Curtis Briggs (Denise), Gregory Briggs (Barbara Gail), Alexandria Briggs-Blake (Antonio, Sr.), and Michelle Briggs. Andrew was born October 17, 1939 in Petersburg, Virginia to the late Lula (Julia) Woodley-Briggs and the late Andrew Marvin Briggs, Sr. Andrew grew up in Petersburg, Virginia where he was raised in a Christian home. He attended public school, later graduating high school and receiving his diploma from Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Washington. After a typical and fun filled childhood, he married the late Barbara Briggs, started a family, and then joined the U.S. Army. Andrew served his country faithfully for 20 years, serving in three branches of the armed forces: U.S Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. He cherished his time in the military and had great admiration for active duty members. After a successful military career, Andrew worked as a Stationary Engineer and Environmental Control Specialist for the State of California and the Federal government until his retirement. Along the way, Andrew met his current wife, Cherry. They have been married for 43 years. Andrew has always been supportive, encouraging, and devoted to his wife and children. He enjoyed sports and was an avid golfer prior to his stroke. Andrew is a member of both, the historical Stone Street Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama and the historical First Baptist Church of Midlothian. Although unable to serve for years due to his health, he has remained faithful and extremely supportive of ministry. Andrew was preceded in death by five brothers: James Johnson, Harold Jackson, Bernard Jackson, Roy Briggs and David Briggs; and three sisters: Shirley Smith, Vernell Williams, and Catherine Lofton. In addition to his loving wife and children, Andrew leaves to cherish his memory one brother, William Jackson (Mary), one sister, Ethel Mae Glenn, five grandchildren, a step-granddaughter, several great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and other family members that are too numerous to name. Also cherishing his memory are sisters-in-law, Mary Fancher (Theodore), Barbara Davis (John), Kim Briggs, Amanda Briggs, and brothers-in-law, James Lofton, James Taylor and Lewis Taylor. The family thanks God for the life and inspiration Andrew has been. Family and friends may view Andrew's remains from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Mimms Funeral Home 1827 Hull Street, Richmond, VA. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 19, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Midlothian, 13800 Westfield Road, Midlothian, VA 23113. Interment will take place at 12:00 noon on Monday, November 21, 2016 at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia, VA 23002. Mrs. Briggs will receive family, friends and well-wishers on Monday from 4:00 to 5:30 P.M. at 14031 Shawhan Court, Midlothian, VA 23114. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull Street, Richmond, Virginia 23224, phone (804) 232-3874.