Laura M. Briggs

Laura Melba Malone Briggs was born in Kansas City, MO, on December 7, 1936. She entered Heaven’s gate on August 13, 2016. Laura was a consummate daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend with an endless love for the Lord. As a woman of grace and style, Laura genuinely loved everyone she met. She was an enthusiast for her social activities: such as theatrical productions, movies, and volunteering with children. Some of her most enjoyable times were participating in her family Bible study and her book club. Laura taught Sunday school at Sheffield Family Life Center with her sister, Betty Donahue, for over 10 years. Laura was a member of the Wealth Builders Investment Club of Greater Kansas City, an award winning organization comprised of professional women in the education industry. She loved animals, particularly cats and dogs. She enjoyed sports and was a longtime fan of the Royals and Chiefs. Laura loved tracing her family genealogy and learning about her rich heritage. Her love for her six brothers and five sisters was unwavering and passionate. Laura’s love for God and His Word was first in her life. She was a faithful and loyal member of Trinity Temple COGIC in Grandview, MO. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was a Licensed Registered Nurse and held two Master’s degrees, one in nursing and the other in public administration. Laura was an alumnus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City and ultimately became a faculty member. At UMKC, she wrote curriculum for the nursing department and played a pivotal role in developing programs geared toward recruiting and monitoring retention of high school students interested in nursing. Laura loved to watch the news, read, and stay up on current events. Over the years, she was very involved in volunteering her time with the church in numerous programs. Laura was preceded in death by her parents Opal J. and Janie Malone, brothers Walter Lowe and Gary Malone, sister Maxine Lewis, and nephews Courtney and Patrick Malone. She leaves to mourn her four brothers Samuel Malone, Joseph (Gloria) Malone, Raymond (Mary) Malone, and Jerry Malone; and her four sisters Betty Donahue, Mertha (Samuel) Gordon, Barbara Etier, and Florrestine House. Laura is survived by two daughter Paula Langston and Sandra Kay Alexander; three grandchildren Donovan Paul Langston, Elece Nicole Alexander, Kency Tre Alexander; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Laura was previously married to Rudolph Briggs. Visitation to be held at 11AM on Saturday, August 20, at Trinity Temple COGIC, 11922 Food Ln, Grandview, MO 64030, until time of funeral at 12PM. Burial to follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. Faxed condolences to be read aloud at Mrs. Briggs’ funeral service may be submitted to (816)353-4623 or (816) 763-8728.