It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Anita Jean Briggs of Charlotte, MI — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
A life remembered begins, simply, with the telling.
Anita held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
The traditions Anita loved will continue to hold those she loved.
Anita Jean Briggs, whose radiant smile and twinkling eyes illuminated all who came in contact with her, passed away on May 5, 2026. She was the daughter of Max and Ruth (Novis) Brown, and was born in Charlotte on May 14, 1939. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1957 and continued her education past high school with business classes and some nursing curriculum.She married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Briggs, on April 16, 1960. He played saxophone and sat right in front of her in band, sometimes receiving the bump of her trombone slide.After working at Aluminum Extrusions prior to having children, she found her career at Charlotte Public Schools. She served as the reading specialist at Parkview and then progressed to the district wide media specialist.Ken and Anita loved their farm and the challenges and joys it produced. Early morning lamb checks, cows in the pasture, chickens, and horses in their stalls. However, their true love was travel. Their involvement with the Airstream Club took them to Alaska, Newfoundland, and many places in between. Anita held many positions in the club including president. The stories they told of their adventures made you feel like you were with them. They wintered in Brownsville, Texas for many years with her parents and their good friends Doris and George Whittaker.She was a member of Gresham United Methodist Church, where she served on the board and enjoyed organizing many events. After church coffee was her favorite. She laughed with her friends and enjoyed the sweets brought by many.Anita’s family held her heart. Her daughters Deborah White (Dwayne Bilicki) and Cyndi (Skip) Collins kept her on her toes. They learned how to love, laugh, work hard, and care deeply from her. She was blessed with four grandchildren; Casee Jo Gill (Nick Kepp), Mike (Alex) Gill, Curtis (Veronica) White, and Nick (Mackenzie) White. She played a special part in each of their lives. Six great grandchildren (so far) put a sparkle in her eye and a huge smile on her face. Briggs, Arlo, Matilda, and Valerie Gill, Wavelyn Kepp, and Liam White. She is remembered by her brother Max (Shelley) Brown, and brothers-in-law, Carroll (Marilyn) Briggs and Glen (Pat) Briggs, and many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Ken; her parents; brother, Bill Brown; and wife Darla, and many friends.We know Anita has found peace and eternal life in heaven. She was reunited with many she missed so dearly, and is making plans for a heavenly Airstream adventure.Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 12 P.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Chad Rogers officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. on Thursday just prior to the service. Burial will follow at Gresham Cemetery.Those desiring may make contributions in Anita’s memory to the Gresham United Methodist Church 5055 Mulliken Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.To view Anita’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
