Alphonso "Big AL" Briggs

~Acknowledgement ~ The family of Alphonso Briggs wishes to thank you and acknowledge with great admiration your kindness, thoughts, and prayers during this time of bereavement. You may have made a visit, took a trip to the store, been a listening ear or you may have even let him hold two dollars (his favorite saying); we thank you! Your support and love will not go unnoticed, and for that, we are forever grateful.

~Honorary Pallbearers ~ Napoleon Briggs Seldom Briggs Jesse Briggs

~Interment & Committal Rites ~ Wednesday, April 5, 2017 1:15 P.M. West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forrest Hill-Irene Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125

~Repast ~

All Saints Christian Fellowship Church 1210 Rutland Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38114

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herished Memories

3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” ~Since 1923~ 901.351.0753 www.mysticalprinting.com info@mysticalprinting.com

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affectionally known as “Big Al” was born March 15, 1952, in Memphis, TN. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1970 and decided to join the United States Army shortly after.

He severed for five years where he was stationed in Germany. While serving his country, he received numerous awards for his performance and specialized training. After returning home with an honorable discharge, Alphonso enrolled in school and graduated from Tennessee Bible Institute in 1977. He never stopped learning and spent time working in the medical field; he also was a professional wrestler in California. After realizing the love, he had for working with his hands, Alphonso went on to become a home repair contractor and began his own business. Alphonso was also a closet writer and even wrote a manuscript for publication. He pursued all his passions until his health diminished.

Alphonso fought a good fight, he finished his course, he kept the faith and on Saturday, March 25, 2017, the Lord decided to call “Big Al” to enteral rest. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elder Oscar Briggs Sr. and Patsy Conner Briggs; brother Oscar Briggs Jr.; sister, Patricia BriggsJones(Ricky); and a special friend, Evelyn Reed.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories his son, Jonathan Briggs; granddaughter, Allyson Briggs, mother of his son, Joan Leake and Jonathan’s siblings, Melody Leake and Eric Turner; sisters, Virgie BriggsMoore (Willie) and Ethel Briggs-Neal (Ronald), brothers, Napoleon Briggs (Robin), Seldom Briggs (Mary) and Jesse Briggs (Johnnie); a caregiver, Eleanor Graham; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

From Your Brothers Thanks for being the peacekeeper and the enforcer amongst us boys. You provided us with wisdom, guidance and whatever else we needed to get ahead in life. You were not only my brother but one of my best friends. I love you dearly, and you will be missed.

A Letter to My Father

It was just the other day When we spoke and exchanged “I Love You” I had no way of knowing No inkling, wasn’t given a single clue That it would be the last time I heard the sound of your voice calling my name Now I’m hurt beyond words, devastated Feeling indescribable pain Because the man who raised me with unconditional love Is no longer on this Earth But is now watching me from The Heavens above I know it will be hard to let you go Even though you’re feeling no more pain or darkness Have no more sorrows, no more woes I will do anything in my power to continue to make you proud And when my despair becomes too much to have I’ll simply look up to the clouds To thank the Lord for letting me have you as long as I did For letting you mold me to a man from a kid For letting you teach me what it means to be Dad For letting you show me divine strength when each other was all we had I Love You Dearly Pops I’ll see you later, whenever the times comes With a broken heart, please hear these words

3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116

Superintendent Jesse Brigs ~Officating~

Prelude...........................................................................................Soft Music Processional..................................................................................The Family Invocation & Scripture..............................................................Robin Briggs Introduction of the MC............................................Jaqueline Pinson-Nelson Music Selection.............................................................................Submission (Janice Faulkner, Pamela Rudd & Christian Briggs)

Reflection of Life

From Your Sisters

(3 Minutes, Please)

Read Silently - Soft Music

Expressions of Love

Our Beloved Brother, we thank God for the time he allowed you to spend with us. We thank God for your kindhearted spirit of giving and not taking. We thank God for your humorous spirit as you gave until the end. We thank God for the love that he gave you for family and friends. As you know, there are no words to express how much we are going to miss you, “Big Al”. So farewell our Big Brother! Now you are on a journey that Dad, Mom, Oscar Jr. and Patricia have taken and we are going to meet you too.

Jean Leake Rev. Willie Wilson Napoleon Briggs Jonathan Briggs Solo..........................................................................................Carla Johnson Eulogy................................................................Superintendent Jesse Briggs

Love Always Your Sisters, Ethel and Virgie

Recessional.....................................................................................Soft Music

A Poem For My Dad

Pastor, Love Temple Church of God in Christ

Walk With Me Grandaddy

“Big Al” it has been really GREAT to walk on Earth with you for fifty-nine years. Now that I can no longer walk with you, my love will be with you always.

~Your Little Bro, Jesse

Your Baby Girl, Melody

I Love & Miss You Allyson

~Seldom

Harrison’s Memorial Chapel, Inc.

Acknowledgments...............................................................Virgie Chaffen, Jr.

Walk alongside me, Granddaddy And hold my little hand I have so many things to learn That I don’t yet understand.

Teach me things to keep me safe From dangers, every day Show me how to do my best At home, at school, at play Every child needs a gentle hand To guide them as they grow.

So, walk alongside me, Granddaddy You are now My Angel and us Have a long way to go.

Alphonso, thank you for being my big brother, you were the one who gave my first vehicle, and you taught me the trade of carpentry. I will miss you and all of your late-night phone calls.

I Love You,

“Big Al”

Saturday, January 14, 2017 2:30 P.M.

From your only son Love Jonathan

As we look back over time We find ourselves wondering Did we remember to say “Thank You”?

For all, you have done for us?

For all the times, you were By our sides to help and support us To celebrate our success, To understand our problems And to accept our defeats.

The sacrifices you made Just to see us smile I will never forget.

I love you.

~Napoleon

Celebration Service of

To My Beloved

A lifetime of memories is what I am left with while my eyes are filled with tears of hurt, but I know Joy comes in the morning. You were my backbone throughout the years, and you were my best friend. I’m going to miss the phone calls and visits, the fussing and the “chili with beans” run to the store. Farewell to a good friend and father to all my children and grandchildren.

I Love You Forever, Joan

I Love You Foreever, Joean