Margaret Elizabeth Briley

Margaret was born in Abilene, Texas to Charles and Ivey Willis on August 5, 1929. She was proud of her West Texas roots and her pioneering family. An excellent student, she earned high honors throughout her schooling, graduating as valedictorian of her senior class. She enrolled in college at 16 years old, graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in food science and nutrition. While at a school dance she met Clyde Briley, a pharmacy student who was also a fellow West Texan, from Tahoka. From that moment forward, the two were inseparable until Clyde’s death in 2007.

In Tahoka, Clyde practiced as a pharmacist and Margaret was a public-school teacher. During that time, their first child, Kathryn, was born. The family soon moved to Lockney, Texas where Clyde and Margaret owned and ran Lockney Drugs for 16 years. Margaret continued teaching while acting as manager, purchaser, bookkeeper, and head of HR at the store. Their second child, Kimberly, was born in Lockney.

In 1969, the family moved to Lubbock, operating Briley Drug Store across the street from Texas Tech. Eager to continue her education, Margaret earned her master’s degree and PhD in animal husbandry and nutrition from Texas Tech while continuing to manage the drug store, teach Sunday School, make dinner every night, and stay active in civic and social activities. Margaret was the first person in the United States to graduate with a PhD in that field from a non-land grant university. Undeterred by gender stereotypes of her generation, she broke down barriers and crashed through many glass ceilings during her career.

Upon completion of her studies, she was recruited to join the faculty at Texas Christian University as an assistant professor of nutrition. Clyde said that, after following him and his career for 24 years, it was his turn to follow her. They sold the drug store in Lubbock and moved to Fort Worth in 1973.

They both dreamed of returning to Austin, and, in 1975, Margaret became an assistant professor of nutrition at her beloved University of Texas. This was the start of a 44-year career at UT where Margaret displayed the boundless tenacity, stamina, and focus on academic excellence she had always been known for. In time she became a full tenured professor, ultimately retiring at 90 years old with the honor of professor emeritus status.

Margaret’s prolific research focused on childhood nutrition and nutrition of children in childcare outside of the home. She conducted research in several Texas cities, Mexico, and in seven other states while also presenting her research to academic groups around the world.

During their time in Austin, Margaret and Clyde stayed busy with friends and dedicated to their faith. They were early members of Westlake United Methodist Church where they served in many leadership roles. You could often find them on the golf course at Lost Creek Country Club when they were not traveling throughout the United States.

Margaret earned many awards and accolades for her academic accomplishments, but she was best known for her devotion to her faith, love of family, and her dedication to her students. She was always the first to volunteer to serve those around her and was especially famous for her amazing cooking skills.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Chuck, and by her beloved husband, Clyde. She is survived by her daughter Kathryn Riddles and her husband Claud, and by her daughter Kimberly Bove and her husband Marc. She is also survived by her granddaughter Allison Riddles Wethington and her husband Dave, granddaughter Briley Bove, great-granddaughter Avery Wethington, and her loving cousin Mary Smith and her husband Donald.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on August 31, 2024, at Westlake United Methodist Church, 1460 Redbud Trail, Austin, Texas.

If you wish to honor Margaret’s memory, please consider a memorial gift to the church or to the Methodist Children’s Home.