Gayle Ann Briggs

April 27, 1949 - December 20, 2018

ADRIAN- Gayle Ann Briggs, age 69, passed away on December 20, 2018, at her home surrounded by her family. Gayle was born on April 27, 1949, in Salem, Ohio, to J. Charles and Betty (Padmore) Young. She graduated from Adrian High School in 1967, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. She received a Master’s degree in Special Education from Lehman College in New York City. Gayle married James H. Briggs on May 27, 1978, in Williamsburg, Virginia. They lived in five different states, and have three lovely children. Gayle is survived by her husband, James, and their three children; James M. Briggs and wife Jessica (Adams) of Adrian, Elizabeth A. Worthley and husband Travis of Smithfield, RI, and Scott H. Briggs and wife Lindsay (Bays) of Las Vegas, Nevada, and an increasing number of grandchildren. She is also survived by two siblings, Dana (Young) Wenger and husband Bill of Cheboygan, and Jon Young and wife Regina (Mingus) of Adrian. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Betty Young. Gayle loved teaching school. She was initially a physical education teacher, then switched to special education, where she thrived. She delighted in seeing the children learn, make good life choices, and achieve success in school and in their lives. It was common in her later years to be recognized around town by former students, and parents of former students, who were eager to express their thanks and appreciation for her efforts. She was an avid volunteer throughout her life. Volunteering gave her the opportunity to work as a member of a team helping others, while avoiding the spotlight. In the late 1960’s as a young adult, she was a volunteer ticket manager at the Croswell Opera House. She was a Girl Scout leader for a number of years, because she believed strongly in helping girls grow into happy and confident young women. She served as a docent at Capron Park Zoo in Massachusetts. After retirement from teaching, she volunteered to work with Adrian High School students striving to graduate. Her final volunteer job was as a science classroom assistant at Adrian Middle School. Gayle enjoyed a variety of activities. She was a talented female athlete, ahead of her time. She told stories of how she was the only girl who played neighborhood baseball and basketball with the boys. She ran track and played volleyball in college, and was a member of multiple softball teams as a young adult. She was an early girls basketball coach at Adrian High School, winning a conference championship in the early 1970’s. She also coached swimming at Adrian High School. In her later years she enjoyed gardening. She also enjoyed working around the house; doing everything from installing new ceilings to putting in a hardwood floor by herself. She spent much of her last several years developing her talent as an artist. Gayle was devoted to her family. To her husband of over forty years, she was a loving and warm partner in life. She was a great listener, always willing to work out solutions to life’s problems. She was a rock of stability for her husband. Her children describe her as a wonderful mother. She was supportive, dedicated, loving, and selfless. Gayle was always there for her children, providing strength and encouragement. During the final years of her life, Gayle received a great deal of emotional support from others. A group of loyal and caring high school friends were with her until the end. A number of Adrian friends whose lives Gayle had touched offered their heartfelt support to Gayle and her family. Gayle’s family wishes to thank Hospice of Lenawee for their excellent care during her final months. Gayle will be greatly missed by family and friends. In keeping with her wishes, a private memorial service will be held in the spring.