On 24 June 1919, Annie Mae Briggs, the seventh child of 13, was born to Sam and Estella Skinner Briggs in Winterville, MS. Her siblings included four brothers, Cleophas, Benjamin, Samuel and Henry; and eight sisters, Georgia, Lenora, Estella, Attelia, Odella, Matilda, Geneva and Yvonne. After Annie Mae was born, her parents moved and built a home on their farm in Lamont, MS.
She was affectionately known to her parents, siblings and friends as "Precious," but her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their friends called her "Mama Precious." Others have said Annie Mae was precious to work with because she was dependable, peaceful, honest, straight-forward, cooperative and organized.
At age nine, Annie Mae accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior under the leadership of Pastor Tellis James at St. Thomas M. B. Church in Lamont, MS. Over the years, she served as a choir member and a Sunday school teacher. However, her most faithful and notable role was as the church's clerk for over 33 years. She was a member of the Mother's Board and the Brothers-Sisters Charity Mission. In retirement, she also taught Sunday school at the Senior Citizen Community Center in Greenville and was a past president of the Christian Fellowship Club. Mrs. Greenberry was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and the NAACP until she became ill.
After graduating from Coleman High School in Greenville, MS, she enrolled in Coahoma Junior College to become a teacher. After a few years, she decided that she needed a 12-month job, so she became a nurse assistant at the hospital in Scott, MS for four years. Returning to her first love, Mrs. Greenberry attended Rust and Tougaloo Colleges during the summers and later Mississippi Valley State University on Saturdays and summers, where she received her bachelor's degree in science education. Mrs. Greenberry did post graduate work at the University of Mississippi and Delta State University.
In the early 1950s, Mrs. Greenberry was asked to become the principal/teacher for Delta Pine Land School No. 1. It was the first public school built for African American children on the lower end of Bolivar County, referred to as "Across the Lake" (outskirts of Scott, MS). It was located on Delta Pine Land Company's property, reportedly, the largest plantation system in the United States. In the beginning, she was the principal, a teacher and the bus driver for the school until a driver could be secured. Mrs. Greenberry taught students for 38 years in the Scott, MS area and in Greenville, MS. During her teaching career, she touched and inspired the lives of many students.
As a mother, Mrs. Greenberry, nurtured her children, Lois and Douglas to serve the Lord; she taught them to be honest, frugal, peaceful and kind. She supported her children in obtaining college degrees. When they became adults, she encouraged them to have good work ethics, to be Christian parents and to become civic-minded individuals. At age 80 plus, Mrs. Greenberry was still driving solo to Memphis or Vicksburg, MS to see Lois or Doug with a pound cake. It was the same kind of cake that everyone loved at St. Thomas Church.
As a grandmother, Mrs. Greenberry cherished keeping all five of her grandchildren at the same time during the summers, even though they came all during the year. These frequent interactions with her grandchildren afforded her the opportunity to sow into their lives, thereby creating a strong bond with them; likewise, the grandchildren developed a strong bond with each other.
Mrs. Greenberry's passion was singing gospel songs. She loved to sing while she was cooking, sewing, gardening and canning fruits and vegetables. Working puzzle and coloring scenes became her favorite past time.
Upon moving to the Memphis area, she immediately found a welcoming atmosphere at Brown Missionary Baptish Church in Southaven, MS. It became her "church away from home." She received regular gifts and cards from the members and had weekly visits and sermons on DVD. She especially liked Pastor Orr's sermons and the Senior Citizen Choir. But, Mrs. Greenberry always longed to be at St. Thomas Baptist Church, where she faithfully served and committed her life to the Lord.
Since 2008, Annie Mae had been a resident of Diversicare Nursing Home, previously Golden Living Center. While being there, she became the lead singer with all of the weekly church groups where she sang her favorite song, "Blessed Assurance." In addition, she displayed her craft projects, played bingo with three cards, was a member of the Red Hat Council, and was crowned Miss Sweetheart of Golden Living Center 2010. The highlight of her life came on 22 and 24 June 2019 when she celebrated her 100th birthday with two parties, first with family and friends and second with the residents. Then, Pastor Orr of Brown Baptist presented her with a proclamation from Mayor Mussellwhite declaring 24 June 24 2019 Mrs. Annie Mae Greenberry Day.
Mama Precious leaves to cherish her life a devoted daughter, Lois Sargent of Memphis; a loving son, Douglas Watts of Vicksburg, MS; a sister, Matilda Briggs Young of Greenville, MS; five grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
Her husbands, Lee Albert Greenberry and Willie Watts preceded her in death.
Funeral: St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church, Lamont, MS.
Interment: Greenlawn Cemetery, Greenville, MS.
Excerpted from the T. L. Redmon Funeral Home website on 2 April 2020.
She was affectionately known to her parents, siblings and friends as "Precious," but her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their friends called her "Mama Precious." Others have said Annie Mae was precious to work with because she was dependable, peaceful, honest, straight-forward, cooperative and organized.
At age nine, Annie Mae accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior under the leadership of Pastor Tellis James at St. Thomas M. B. Church in Lamont, MS. Over the years, she served as a choir member and a Sunday school teacher. However, her most faithful and notable role was as the church's clerk for over 33 years. She was a member of the Mother's Board and the Brothers-Sisters Charity Mission. In retirement, she also taught Sunday school at the Senior Citizen Community Center in Greenville and was a past president of the Christian Fellowship Club. Mrs. Greenberry was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and the NAACP until she became ill.
After graduating from Coleman High School in Greenville, MS, she enrolled in Coahoma Junior College to become a teacher. After a few years, she decided that she needed a 12-month job, so she became a nurse assistant at the hospital in Scott, MS for four years. Returning to her first love, Mrs. Greenberry attended Rust and Tougaloo Colleges during the summers and later Mississippi Valley State University on Saturdays and summers, where she received her bachelor's degree in science education. Mrs. Greenberry did post graduate work at the University of Mississippi and Delta State University.
In the early 1950s, Mrs. Greenberry was asked to become the principal/teacher for Delta Pine Land School No. 1. It was the first public school built for African American children on the lower end of Bolivar County, referred to as "Across the Lake" (outskirts of Scott, MS). It was located on Delta Pine Land Company's property, reportedly, the largest plantation system in the United States. In the beginning, she was the principal, a teacher and the bus driver for the school until a driver could be secured. Mrs. Greenberry taught students for 38 years in the Scott, MS area and in Greenville, MS. During her teaching career, she touched and inspired the lives of many students.
As a mother, Mrs. Greenberry, nurtured her children, Lois and Douglas to serve the Lord; she taught them to be honest, frugal, peaceful and kind. She supported her children in obtaining college degrees. When they became adults, she encouraged them to have good work ethics, to be Christian parents and to become civic-minded individuals. At age 80 plus, Mrs. Greenberry was still driving solo to Memphis or Vicksburg, MS to see Lois or Doug with a pound cake. It was the same kind of cake that everyone loved at St. Thomas Church.
As a grandmother, Mrs. Greenberry cherished keeping all five of her grandchildren at the same time during the summers, even though they came all during the year. These frequent interactions with her grandchildren afforded her the opportunity to sow into their lives, thereby creating a strong bond with them; likewise, the grandchildren developed a strong bond with each other.
Mrs. Greenberry's passion was singing gospel songs. She loved to sing while she was cooking, sewing, gardening and canning fruits and vegetables. Working puzzle and coloring scenes became her favorite past time.
Upon moving to the Memphis area, she immediately found a welcoming atmosphere at Brown Missionary Baptish Church in Southaven, MS. It became her "church away from home." She received regular gifts and cards from the members and had weekly visits and sermons on DVD. She especially liked Pastor Orr's sermons and the Senior Citizen Choir. But, Mrs. Greenberry always longed to be at St. Thomas Baptist Church, where she faithfully served and committed her life to the Lord.
Since 2008, Annie Mae had been a resident of Diversicare Nursing Home, previously Golden Living Center. While being there, she became the lead singer with all of the weekly church groups where she sang her favorite song, "Blessed Assurance." In addition, she displayed her craft projects, played bingo with three cards, was a member of the Red Hat Council, and was crowned Miss Sweetheart of Golden Living Center 2010. The highlight of her life came on 22 and 24 June 2019 when she celebrated her 100th birthday with two parties, first with family and friends and second with the residents. Then, Pastor Orr of Brown Baptist presented her with a proclamation from Mayor Mussellwhite declaring 24 June 24 2019 Mrs. Annie Mae Greenberry Day.
Mama Precious leaves to cherish her life a devoted daughter, Lois Sargent of Memphis; a loving son, Douglas Watts of Vicksburg, MS; a sister, Matilda Briggs Young of Greenville, MS; five grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
Her husbands, Lee Albert Greenberry and Willie Watts preceded her in death.
Funeral: St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church, Lamont, MS.
Interment: Greenlawn Cemetery, Greenville, MS.
Excerpted from the T. L. Redmon Funeral Home website on 2 April 2020.
On 24 June 1919, Annie Mae Briggs, the seventh child of 13, was born to Sam and Estella Skinner Briggs in Winterville, MS. Her siblings included four brothers, Cleophas, Benjamin, Samuel and Henry; and eight sisters, Georgia, Lenora, Estella, Attelia, Odella, Matilda, Geneva and Yvonne. After Annie Mae was born, her parents moved and built a home on their farm in Lamont, MS.
She was affectionately known to her parents, siblings and friends as "Precious," but her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their friends called her "Mama Precious." Others have said Annie Mae was precious to work with because she was dependable, peaceful, honest, straight-forward, cooperative and organized.
At age nine, Annie Mae accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior under the leadership of Pastor Tellis James at St. Thomas M. B. Church in Lamont, MS. Over the years, she served as a choir member and a Sunday school teacher. However, her most faithful and notable role was as the church's clerk for over 33 years. She was a member of the Mother's Board and the Brothers-Sisters Charity Mission. In retirement, she also taught Sunday school at the Senior Citizen Community Center in Greenville and was a past president of the Christian Fellowship Club. Mrs. Greenberry was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and the NAACP until she became ill.
After graduating from Coleman High School in Greenville, MS, she enrolled in Coahoma Junior College to become a teacher. After a few years, she decided that she needed a 12-month job, so she became a nurse assistant at the hospital in Scott, MS for four years. Returning to her first love, Mrs. Greenberry attended Rust and Tougaloo Colleges during the summers and later Mississippi Valley State University on Saturdays and summers, where she received her bachelor's degree in science education. Mrs. Greenberry did post graduate work at the University of Mississippi and Delta State University.
In the early 1950s, Mrs. Greenberry was asked to become the principal/teacher for Delta Pine Land School No. 1. It was the first public school built for African American children on the lower end of Bolivar County, referred to as "Across the Lake" (outskirts of Scott, MS). It was located on Delta Pine Land Company's property, reportedly, the largest plantation system in the United States. In the beginning, she was the principal, a teacher and the bus driver for the school until a driver could be secured. Mrs. Greenberry taught students for 38 years in the Scott, MS area and in Greenville, MS. During her teaching career, she touched and inspired the lives of many students.
As a mother, Mrs. Greenberry, nurtured her children, Lois and Douglas to serve the Lord; she taught them to be honest, frugal, peaceful and kind. She supported her children in obtaining college degrees. When they became adults, she encouraged them to have good work ethics, to be Christian parents and to become civic-minded individuals. At age 80 plus, Mrs. Greenberry was still driving solo to Memphis or Vicksburg, MS to see Lois or Doug with a pound cake. It was the same kind of cake that everyone loved at St. Thomas Church.
As a grandmother, Mrs. Greenberry cherished keeping all five of her grandchildren at the same time during the summers, even though they came all during the year. These frequent interactions with her grandchildren afforded her the opportunity to sow into their lives, thereby creating a strong bond with them; likewise, the grandchildren developed a strong bond with each other.
Mrs. Greenberry's passion was singing gospel songs. She loved to sing while she was cooking, sewing, gardening and canning fruits and vegetables. Working puzzle and coloring scenes became her favorite past time.
Upon moving to the Memphis area, she immediately found a welcoming atmosphere at Brown Missionary Baptish Church in Southaven, MS. It became her "church away from home." She received regular gifts and cards from the members and had weekly visits and sermons on DVD. She especially liked Pastor Orr's sermons and the Senior Citizen Choir. But, Mrs. Greenberry always longed to be at St. Thomas Baptist Church, where she faithfully served and committed her life to the Lord.
Since 2008, Annie Mae had been a resident of Diversicare Nursing Home, previously Golden Living Center. While being there, she became the lead singer with all of the weekly church groups where she sang her favorite song, "Blessed Assurance." In addition, she displayed her craft projects, played bingo with three cards, was a member of the Red Hat Council, and was crowned Miss Sweetheart of Golden Living Center 2010. The highlight of her life came on 22 and 24 June 2019 when she celebrated her 100th birthday with two parties, first with family and friends and second with the residents. Then, Pastor Orr of Brown Baptist presented her with a proclamation from Mayor Mussellwhite declaring 24 June 24 2019 Mrs. Annie Mae Greenberry Day.
Mama Precious leaves to cherish her life a devoted daughter, Lois Sargent of Memphis; a loving son, Douglas Watts of Vicksburg, MS; a sister, Matilda Briggs Young of Greenville, MS; five grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
Her husbands, Lee Albert Greenberry and Willie Watts preceded her in death.
Funeral: St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church, Lamont, MS.
Interment: Greenlawn Cemetery, Greenville, MS.
Excerpted from the T. L. Redmon Funeral Home website on 2 April 2020.
She was affectionately known to her parents, siblings and friends as "Precious," but her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their friends called her "Mama Precious." Others have said Annie Mae was precious to work with because she was dependable, peaceful, honest, straight-forward, cooperative and organized.
At age nine, Annie Mae accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior under the leadership of Pastor Tellis James at St. Thomas M. B. Church in Lamont, MS. Over the years, she served as a choir member and a Sunday school teacher. However, her most faithful and notable role was as the church's clerk for over 33 years. She was a member of the Mother's Board and the Brothers-Sisters Charity Mission. In retirement, she also taught Sunday school at the Senior Citizen Community Center in Greenville and was a past president of the Christian Fellowship Club. Mrs. Greenberry was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and the NAACP until she became ill.
After graduating from Coleman High School in Greenville, MS, she enrolled in Coahoma Junior College to become a teacher. After a few years, she decided that she needed a 12-month job, so she became a nurse assistant at the hospital in Scott, MS for four years. Returning to her first love, Mrs. Greenberry attended Rust and Tougaloo Colleges during the summers and later Mississippi Valley State University on Saturdays and summers, where she received her bachelor's degree in science education. Mrs. Greenberry did post graduate work at the University of Mississippi and Delta State University.
In the early 1950s, Mrs. Greenberry was asked to become the principal/teacher for Delta Pine Land School No. 1. It was the first public school built for African American children on the lower end of Bolivar County, referred to as "Across the Lake" (outskirts of Scott, MS). It was located on Delta Pine Land Company's property, reportedly, the largest plantation system in the United States. In the beginning, she was the principal, a teacher and the bus driver for the school until a driver could be secured. Mrs. Greenberry taught students for 38 years in the Scott, MS area and in Greenville, MS. During her teaching career, she touched and inspired the lives of many students.
As a mother, Mrs. Greenberry, nurtured her children, Lois and Douglas to serve the Lord; she taught them to be honest, frugal, peaceful and kind. She supported her children in obtaining college degrees. When they became adults, she encouraged them to have good work ethics, to be Christian parents and to become civic-minded individuals. At age 80 plus, Mrs. Greenberry was still driving solo to Memphis or Vicksburg, MS to see Lois or Doug with a pound cake. It was the same kind of cake that everyone loved at St. Thomas Church.
As a grandmother, Mrs. Greenberry cherished keeping all five of her grandchildren at the same time during the summers, even though they came all during the year. These frequent interactions with her grandchildren afforded her the opportunity to sow into their lives, thereby creating a strong bond with them; likewise, the grandchildren developed a strong bond with each other.
Mrs. Greenberry's passion was singing gospel songs. She loved to sing while she was cooking, sewing, gardening and canning fruits and vegetables. Working puzzle and coloring scenes became her favorite past time.
Upon moving to the Memphis area, she immediately found a welcoming atmosphere at Brown Missionary Baptish Church in Southaven, MS. It became her "church away from home." She received regular gifts and cards from the members and had weekly visits and sermons on DVD. She especially liked Pastor Orr's sermons and the Senior Citizen Choir. But, Mrs. Greenberry always longed to be at St. Thomas Baptist Church, where she faithfully served and committed her life to the Lord.
Since 2008, Annie Mae had been a resident of Diversicare Nursing Home, previously Golden Living Center. While being there, she became the lead singer with all of the weekly church groups where she sang her favorite song, "Blessed Assurance." In addition, she displayed her craft projects, played bingo with three cards, was a member of the Red Hat Council, and was crowned Miss Sweetheart of Golden Living Center 2010. The highlight of her life came on 22 and 24 June 2019 when she celebrated her 100th birthday with two parties, first with family and friends and second with the residents. Then, Pastor Orr of Brown Baptist presented her with a proclamation from Mayor Mussellwhite declaring 24 June 24 2019 Mrs. Annie Mae Greenberry Day.
Mama Precious leaves to cherish her life a devoted daughter, Lois Sargent of Memphis; a loving son, Douglas Watts of Vicksburg, MS; a sister, Matilda Briggs Young of Greenville, MS; five grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
Her husbands, Lee Albert Greenberry and Willie Watts preceded her in death.
Funeral: St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church, Lamont, MS.
Interment: Greenlawn Cemetery, Greenville, MS.
Excerpted from the T. L. Redmon Funeral Home website on 2 April 2020.
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