Mary Dell Briggs, 88, passed away on Mother’s Day, May 10, in Stockton.  Born to Lonnie and Mae Davis on November 25, 1926, in Flippin, Arkansas, Dell was the second of four daughters: Anna McCoy of Manteca, California; Reola Johnson of Las Vegas, Nevada (deceased); and Lonene Britt of Mountain Home, Arkansas.  Dell always lit up, her blue eyes shining and her Southern drawl breaking through, in her treasured time with, and when talking about, her sisters. 
   Dell had been a resident of Manteca since moving from Arkansas with her groom, Bob Briggs.  Dell and Bob were married on January 18, 1946, and two years later began their tightly knit family with their only child, Carolyn Sue Waterman.  Dell and Bob shared 50 wonderful years together, raising their daughter, traveling, and enjoying family and friends, before Bob passed away in 1996.
   Dell was first and foremost a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who spent countless hours visiting, listening, advising, and even crocheting for her family.  Dell passed on to Sue her love of helping and caring for others, as Sue would go on to teach at Lathrop and Brock Elliot Elementary Schools, shaping young minds and hearts for twenty-one years.  Dell was so proud of her granddaughter, Lisa, who followed in her mother’s footsteps, caring for young children as a teacher at Golden West Elementary.  And Dell inspired her grandson, Mark, being his cheerleader in life whether he was on the East Union basketball court or later litigating in courts of law.  In recent years, Dell especially delighted in watching her great-grandchildren grow and learn, taking particular joy in playing with them, showering them with hugs and love, spoiling them with treats, and talking about how Bailey is growing up into such a bright, kind young lady and how Ben and Sam are so joyous and “sprouting like weeds.”  Dell will be missed dearly by her family.
  She is survived by her son-in-law Jim Waterman; grandchildren Lisa and Mark Waterman; and great-grandchildren Bailey, Ben, and Sam, the youngest of her great-grandchildren who sleeps every night with the “blankie” his Granny knitted for him. 
   Visitation will be Sunday, May 17, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Rd., Manteca.  Graveside services will be held on Monday, May 18, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Burwood Cemetery, 28320 East River Rd., Escalon, CA.  An online guest book is available for condolences to the family at www.plfryandson.com (search obituaries).

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Thursday, May 14, 2015