Crystal Briggs

Crystal was born in Turner Maine, on July 4, 1926, the first of four children born to David Thomas Reed and Ethel D. Reed. In 1944, she graduated with honors from Leavitt Area High School, in Turner, Maine. After high school, the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, affectionately known as “Ma Bell,” hired her as a telephone operator. She spent her 43 years working as a telephone operator with “Ma Bell.” During her 43 years at “Ma Bell,” she was a proud life time member of the Telephone Pioneers. She made many lifelong friends, while employed. She was an active member of the Turner Street Advent Christian in Auburn, Maine.

Much like Dorcus of the Bible, Crystal had many friends, because she was a self-less friend. She had a servant’s heart, was kind, compassionate, understanding, and always lending a hand, until the day of her death. No one ever had an unkind word to say about her. Crystal loved traveling, playing cards and knitting. On February 12, 2000, she married her sister, Eleanor’s, widower, Richard Briggs. Their loving marriage lasted over 16 years, until Richard died at the age of 89. They were active members of the Clearwater Community Church.

She is survived by her stepdaughters, who are also her nieces: Sharon Jones, Pamela Raymond, and Carol Briggs. She was preceded in death by her stepson, who is also her nephew, David Briggs. She has several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as, many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family is profoundly grateful to the nurses, aides, and staff, at Oak Park Health and Rehab, and the devoted hospice caregivers, who showed nothing but care, compassion, and dignity to Crystal.

A private funeral will be held in her honor on February 6, 2026.