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Shirley Lean Briggs, 67, of Nashville, Tenn., died on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2008, after battling a lengthy illness.

She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age. She was born Nov. 12, 1940, to Aaron and Fannie Mae Allen in El Dorado. She was formerly married to Authur Ray Briggs of El Dorado. She was a graduate of Washington High School in El Dorado and earned her nursing degree at Mississippi County Community College in Blytheville. Shirley served as a caregiver for over 30 years, working as an LPN, RN and a nurse manager in Blytheville and Memphis, Tenn.

As a true matriarch, she instilled in her children, at an early age, the importance of family. She loved family gatherings and spending time with her children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters. Shirley was the oldest of eight siblings and was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Joyce Solden (Glennwood) and her parents, Aaron and Fannie Mae Allen, both of El Dorado.

Survivors include two sons, Arnold Briggs (Brenda) of Jackson, Tenn., and Dedrick “Wayne” Briggs (Angela) of Nashville; one daughter, Vickie Johnson of Walls, Miss.; and nine grandchildren. She also leaves three brothers, Sherwin Allen (Jeanette) of Houston, Donald Allen (Earnestine) of Dallas and Claudis Allen of Rockwall, Texas; four sisters, Olean Williams of El Dorado, Ruby Green (Robert) of El Dorado, Jessie Walker (Rodell) of Houston, and Debra Allen of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Shirley’s life and home going at Victory Bible Church, 501 W. Block, El Dorado, at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, with Dr. Debra Allen and Dr. Ruby Green officiating.

A wake will be held at 6 p.m. today at Andrews Funeral Home.