CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Martha L. Briggs passed away peacefully, entering the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, surrounded by family.
She was born June 30, 1934, in Chanute to the Rev. Hooley and Opal (Webb) Frank.
Raised in a family of strong faith, she grew up in the Assembly of God Church, where she began a lifelong love of music ministry, singing with her sisters from early childhood. Martha graduated from Chanute High School in 1952, before earning her bachelor of arts in 1956 in religious education at Central Bible College, Springfield, Missouri, specializing in ministry to the deaf. She sang and toured with CBC’s Revivaltime choir, taking part in their broadcast program on ABC Radio Network and contributed to professional recordings during that time.
After graduation, Martha moved to Cedar Rapids to begin a ministry to the deaf at First Assembly of God Church, and she worked as a keypunch operator at Rockwell Collins. She met her future husband, Dr. Charles W. Briggs, when seeking dental care in her new hometown. They married on Oct. 14, 1961, and raised two daughters, Rebecca (Becky) and Charlene. They were married for almost 37 years until Charles’ death in 1998. Martha was a full-time homemaker and assisted her husband by managing his dental practice for 20 years until his retirement. She enjoyed a lifelong love of reading and found a new adventure working at the Cedar Rapids Public Library for the next 14 years.
Martha was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Cedar Rapids for many years, beginning in 1957, remaining faithful through decades of change and growth. She participated in the vocal music ministry, singing in ensembles and solo. In later years, she knitted dolls for children in Africa with her church lady friends and enjoyed five-hour marathon Sunday lunches with them at Wendy’s after church.
Martha loved to spend time with her family and was deeply loved. She especially delighted in being a grandma to twin grandsons, Joshua and Caleb, and was their beloved “Guggie” in their younger years. She doted on “her boys” as they grew and was an ardent supporter of all their endeavors, faithfully attending their jazz band, marching band and concert band performances. She could also be found trudging the fields at their cross country meets to cheer them on and welcome them across the finish line.
Martha is survived by her children, Rebecca Briggs (Ron Adkins) and Charlene Briggs; grandsons, Joshua and Caleb Sauer; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Charles W. Briggs; her parents; her siblings, Opal (Wayne) Moore, Lois Hathaway, Kenneth Frank and Mary Hindle; and Charles’ cousin, Bill Stewart, who was a dear member of the family.
A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, in the Chapel of Memories at Cedar Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends starting at 10 a.m. before the service in the State Room. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.
