Barbara Shelly Briggs
1937-2022
Barbara Shelly Briggs, 85, of Freeport, passed away of natural causes in her home with her family at her side. She was born on May 8, 1937 to Melvin and Edith (Erdman) Shelly. Brother Larry was already here and sister Janice was yet to come. Her grade school years were in a one-room school house named Currier. Recess was baseball games and snowball fights. After eighth grade, it was off to Freeport High School, graduating in 1955. She met the love of her life, David Briggs, shortly after, and they married in 1956, spending the next nearly 60 years happy together raising three children and enjoying life. For her children's early years, she took wonderful care of her home and family, beginning work outside the home once the children were older. She began full time work as the business manager of True Value Hardware, then became the business manager of  Freeport High School where she made many friends and was the smiling face in the booth at  FHS football home games selling tickets. Because of her hard work, she was lured away to become the Practice Manager for Family Medical, a group of caring family practice doctors, where she finished out her career. Barbara was known for her exceptional cooking and baking, especially her pies, as well as her skillful sewing and beautiful quilting. She instilled the importance of education, hard work, and discipline into her children, who benefitted from her wisdom and practicality and the many many family meals together full of laughter and good food. Preceding her in death are her husband David, grandson Tyler Briggs, parents Edith and Melvin Shelly, brother Larry Shelly, and sister Janice Van Hauen. Surviving are her children Kevin Briggs of Prior Lake, MN (Pam Rohrbacker), Shelly Underhill of Kenosha, WI (Ed Bowden), and Sheila Wagner of Freeport (Brad Wagner), as well as 5 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her.
The family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Jelinek and FHN Hospice for their kind and diligent care. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to FHN Hospice, 773 W. Lincoln Blvd, Freeport, IL 61032, in Barbara's memory.  There will be a private memorial service.  A reception open to all who knew Barbara will take place from 3-5pm on Tuesday, June 14th at 9 East Coffee Shop located at 9 East Stephenson St. Freeport.  Light refreshments will be served. Please check the Walker Mortuary website for details at www.walkermortuary.com.