Mary Spears Briggs

Mary Catherine Spears Briggs passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, at the age of 89, leaving behind a family she deeply loved, and a lifetime filled with devotion, love, and cherished memories.

Born on August 17, 1937, Mary Catherine was the daughter of the late Catherine Campbell Spears and Alton Boyd Spears. Family was at the very heart of her life, and she found her greatest joy in being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Mary Catherine shared 74 wonderful years with the love of her life, E. Ray Briggs, including 65 years of marriage. Their life together was built on love, family, and a deep commitment to one another. She is survived by her beloved husband, Ray; her son, Robert Christopher Briggs and his wife, Stephanie Spence Briggs; and her daughter, Lisa Catherine Briggs Crumpler and her husband, Richard Alan Crumpler Jr.

She was a loving grandmother to Tyler Michael Crumpler and his wife, Kensley Pleasant Crumpler; Camden Briggs Crumpler; Ashley Ann Briggs; and Robert Christopher Briggs Jr., and a proud great-grandmother to Callan Gray Crumpler and Leighton Catherine Crumpler.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved son, Michael Ray Briggs.

A consummate homemaker, Mary Catherine had a special gift for creating a warm, welcoming, and beautiful home. She took great pride in caring for her family and found joy in the simple traditions and comforts of home. She was an avid collector of antiques and treasured the history, beauty, and stories held within each special piece. She also had a lifelong fondness for animals, especially dogs, whose companionship brought her great happiness.

Above all else, Mary Catherine adored her family. Her love was woven into everything she did—the home she created, the traditions she nurtured, the memories she made, and the care she so generously gave to those around her. She was the heart of her family and took great pride in watching her family grow through the generations.

Mary Catherine will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her husband and family, her love of home, her appreciation for beautiful and treasured things, and the warmth she brought to the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Her greatest legacy is the family she cherished so dearly and the love she gave so freely. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her.

A committal service will be held in the chapel mausoleum at Oakwood Cemetery, on Friday, November 6th at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Transitions LifeCare at https://www.transitionslifecare.org/.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC, is serving the Briggs family.