Frances Mae

(Cooper) Briggs

Mrs. Frances Mae Briggs passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 24, 2026. A lifelong resident of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, Frances was born on September 24, 1946, to the late Robert and Annie Laura Cooper. She was a proud graduate of Muskegon Heights Public Schools, Class of 1964, where she was voted "Most Athletic" by her classmates.

In 1966, Frances was united in holy matrimony with Forrest Briggs Sr. Their loving union was blessed with three children: Anita, Forrest Jr., and Sherri Briggs.

Frances accepted Christ at an early age and united with Queen Esther Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend W. L. Stewart. She faithfully served in the Choir, the Usher Board, and the Kitchen Ministry until her health no longer allowed her to continue.

She later began a distinguished career with the Muskegon Heights Public School District, where she faithfully served for 36 years. During her years of service, she formed lifelong friendships with coworkers, students, and their families, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. She retired after more than three decades of dedicated service to her community.

Frances was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose greatest joy was her family. She especially cherished her grandchildren and found immense happiness in giving them all the love and support she could. She loved bringing people together, whether at quarter parties with her children and friends from East Park Manor, card games at the family home on the corner of Superior, bowling outings, bingo nights, or family cookouts filled with laughter and conversation. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with the Briggs family, including Betty Curtis, Antoinette, Scottie, Gerad, Gerry, Paulette, Cassiedale, and the entire Briggs family, whose love meant so much to her.

Frances leaves to cherish her loving memory her three children, Anita Briggs, Forrest Briggs Jr., and Sherri Briggs, all of Muskegon Heights; her sister, Mattie Richardson of Muskegon Heights; six grandchildren: Fahliah, Jarvis, Tyler, Cooper, Ahmad, Anaya, ; ten great-grandchildren: Trelynn, Ashton, Austin, Khristian, Kaiden, Raelynn, Eden, Eliah, Kayla, Amora, and Marshall; a very special cousin Gloria Pulliams, extended nephews Bryant & Carl Briggs III along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Forrest Briggs Sr.; her parents, Robert and Annie Laura Cooper; her sisters, Barbara Jean Cooper and Peggy Ann Cooper; her brothers, Billy Earl Cooper, Dionnie Ray Cooper, Jerry Cooper, and Robert Cooper Jr.; her cherished grandchildren, Stedman Briggs, Jayshell, and Mia; her parents-in-law, Carl and Jerline Briggs; her brothers-in-law, Carl Briggs Jr., Lee Briggs, Lionne Briggs, Jordan Anthony; and her sister-in-law, Diane.

Frances' life was a beautiful example of faith, kindness, generosity, and unconditional love. Her smile, warm spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family and community will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Though she has departed this earthly life, her legacy of love, service, and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come.