MARY R. BRIGGS

SUMMERTON – Mary R. Briggs, 85, wife of James Richardson Briggs, died Thursday, June 26, 2008, at National HealthCare of Sumter.

Born Oct. 10, 1922, in Summerton, she was a daughter of the late Henry Burchill and Elizabeth Allen Richardson. She was a graduate of Winthrop College, co–founder of the Richardson School of Dance and a former teacher. She was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Pinewood and the Elizabeth Peyre Richardson Manning Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She transcribed the music of “The Richardson Waltz,” a waltz originated by the Richardson family and handed down “by ear” from generation to generation. Her arrangement was adopted as the official state waltz by the General Assembly of the state of South Carolina on July 21, 2000.

Surviving besides her husband of Sumter are a son, Tourie R. Briggs of Summerton; two daughters, Mary S. Briggs of Sumter and Norvelle Ann B. Dawson of Edisto Island; a sister, Noddie R. Hutto of Summerton; four grandchildren, Matt Jacob, Jake Jacob, Lebby Dawson and Kate McClary and her father, David.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Betsy B. McClary; a sister, Betty R. Keels; and four brothers, Lucien E. Richardson Sr., Henry B. Richardson Jr., E. Hervey Richardson and Thomas C. Richardson.

Funeral services were held Saturday, June 28, 2008, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church near Pinewood with the Rev. David W.t. Thurlow officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Rowland Alston, Hartwell Briggs, Rhett Briggs, Harry Huggins, Thomas Richardson and Riley Venning served as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to St. mark’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 539, Summerton, SC 29148, or to National HealthCare Activity Fund, P.O Box 1524, Sumter, Sc 29151.

Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, handled arrangements.