Cleo (Celo) Columbus Briggs, age 77, passed away on April 28, 2013 at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Hospital in Racine, WI.  He was born on April 9, 1936 in Almyra, Arkansas to the union of late Jack and Oney Briggs.

Cleo received his formal education at Holeman High School in Stuttgart, Arkansas. He furthered his education at Prairie State, where he obtained an Associate Degree.  He accepted Christ at an early age.  Cleo served honorably in the United States Army. He was united in holy matrimony to Georgia Coleman on November 22, 1971. Their union was blessed with four children: Tonya in 1971, Andrea in 1978, Patrick in 1979, and Erica in 1980.  Cleo loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He also enjoyed playing board games and watching television in his spare time.

Cleo leaves to cherish his memory, one son; Patrick C. Briggs of Chicago, IL, three daughters; Tonya Briggs – Felton of League City, TX, Andrea (Aurian) McCoy Garrett of Slyva, NC, Erica (Christopher) Briggs – Gillentine of Racine, WI, seven grandchildren, three brothers; Robert (Durie) Briggs of Milwaukee, WI, Jack (Coritha) Briggs of San Antonio, TX, Theotis Briggs of Little Rock, AR, nine sisters; Ella Jones of Detroit, MI, Geneva Briggs of Milwaukee, WI, Ethel Ingram of Fresno, CA, Lena (Lonnie) Goodman, Penelope Briggs and Lucille Spivey both of Little Rock, AR, Eurdell Robert of Stuttgart, AR, Christine Briggs – Athins of Pine Bluff, AR and Shawn Briggs of Stuttgart, AR as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and friends.  Cleo was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Oney Briggs, brothers, Willie, Earl and Ralph Briggs, sisters Dessie Katherine Smith Briggs and Della Humphrey.