Obit of Thomas, Lois Nancy Riley Briggs - Jackson County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Wanda Purcell 16 Nov 2008 Return to Jackson County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/jackson/jackson.html ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ===================================================================== ::Strong City Cemetery--Strong City OK Surnames: Thomas, Riley, Briggs, Collins, Hensley, Cole, Reed, Malson, Kirby, King, Harris, Saiz Originally posted at: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.oklahoma.counties.rogermills/8847/mb.ashx Lois Nancy Thomas was born August 12, 1915 in Wills Point, Van Zant County, Texas to Idell and William Jesse Riley. She passed away August 2, 2008 at Altus, Oklahoma at the age of 92 years, 11 months and 20 days. The family lived around Palmer, Texas before migrating to western Oklahoma. Lois and her brothers and sisters atended schools throughout north Texas and western Oklahoma. While in high school at Crawford, Oklahoma she met and married Noel Emil Briggs on December 3, 1932 in Sayre, Oklahoma. They lived at Durham, Cheyenne and Strong City while 5 children, Thomas Edward, Jessie Earl, Patricia Ellen, Ronald Eugene and Roxie Elona were born to this union. Noel died of a heart attack on October 2, 1952. After the children got out of school in the spring of 1953, Lois moved to Durham, Oklahoma to work for the community telephone system. She was the telephone operator until December, 1955. Lois married Vint Henry Thomas on December 6, 1955 in Arnett, Oklahoma. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Canadian, Texas where Vint worked on a ranch. In September of 1956 they moved to Hardesty, Oklahoma. During that time, Lois worked for Bartlett Grocery Store in Hardesty and later as a sales clerk for McDonald's Department Store in Guymon, Oklahoma. Lois and Vint retired and moved to Cheyenne, Oklahoma in 1981 to make their home. Vint preceded her in death in November of 1991. Over the years, Lois served on the board of the Senior Citizen Center and enjoyed quiling at the Center nearly every day. She, also quilted regularly with her friends. She worked a Granny's Quilt House until it closed in 1995. She was an avid seamstress and for years, she made her clohes, Vint's western shirts and most of the clothes for her children. Lois loved the Lord and was always active in her church, Cheyenne First Baptist Church, often teaching Sunday School. She raised her family in a Christian atmosphere and had loving Christian husbands. She was fortunate to see all her children accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour. She wa preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, 2 Sons, Thomas Edward Briggs and Jessie Earl Briggs; four brothers, Odis Riley, Dee Riley, W.J. Riley, Tom Riley; five sisters, Baby Riley, Ruth Cole, Ruby Riley, Alta Reed, Hazel Malson; and 1 half sister, Georgia Bee Kirby; and one grandsson, Gary Briggs. She is survived by her Daughters, Patsy (Briggs) Collins, Durham, Oklahoma; Roxie (Briggs) Hensley and husband Quinlin, Altus, Oklahoma; Son, Ronald Briggs and wife, Joy, Ulysses, Kansas; Step- Daughters, Peggy (Thomas) King, Edmond, Oklahomsa; Lois (Thomas) Harris and husband Bob, Midwest City, Oklahoma; Step-son, Joe Henry Thomas, Reydon, Oklahoma; 1 sister, Gerri Saiz, Cheyenne, Oklahoma; 10 Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Services were held Wednesday, August 5, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Cheyenne First Baptist Church officiated by Boyd Whitehead and Jeff Hurlbut. Burial was at Strong City Cemetery, Strong City, Roger Mills County, Oklahoma under the direction of Rose Chapel Funeral Service, Cheyenne, Oklahoma. Casket Bearers Bob Davis, Doug Lawson, Gordon Thomas, Melvin Summers, Randy Malson and Tim Malson. Cheyenne Star, Cheyenne, OK 7-Aug-2008 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Jackson County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/jackson/jackson.html