VERDELL W. BRIGGS
March 26, 1936-Oct. 28, 2015
Verdell Welker Briggs, 79, Goldsboro, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family.
Verdell was born in Rexburg, Idaho, March 26, 1936, to the late George Harold Briggs and Hazel Welker Briggs.
He was a graduate of Sugar-Salem High School in Sugar City, Idaho, and later graduated from Utah State University.
Verdell shaped the lives of many children as a basketball coach and as a math and science teacher.
The first school he served following graduation was Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah, and he later went to teach at Mount Edgecumbe Boarding School in Sitka, Alaska, where he raised his family.
Verdell was recognized by the school as Coach of the Year for his many years of service as the basketball coach.
Verdell was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faith, and served a two-year mission at the age of 19 in Hawaii, and later served a mission with his wife in Cambodia.
He also served as branch president, high counselor, state patriarch, teacher and basketball coach.
Following his retirement, Verdell moved to Goldsboro, where he served as the activities coordinator for 13 years with Wayne County Services on Aging. He also coordinated trips for many years.
The family will receive friends Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, followed by a service celebrating Verdell's life at 2 p.m. in the chapel, with Bishop J.W. Bass conducting the service. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Fremont, N.C.
Verdell was married for 57 years to the love of his life, Betty Jane Nave, and their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.
He dearly loved his five children, Michael Briggs and wife, Monica, Steven Briggs and wife, Dona, Amy Sullivan, David Briggs and Kevin Briggs and wife, Anna; 19 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brothers, Harold "Hal" Welker Briggs and wife, Betty, Charles Welker Briggs and wife, Roxanne, Kay Welker Briggs and wife, Cheryl, Col. Lee Welker Briggs and Lynn Welker Briggs and wife, Debbie.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given in Verdell's memory to the missionary fund at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 200 Jacobs Ridge Drive, Goldsboro, N.C., 27534.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on October 30, 2015 1:49 PM