Iris Briggs

Iris Lavone (Campbell) Briggs, age 96, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, at her home in Vicksburg, MI. She was born on August 9, 1929, in Kalamazoo, MI, the daughter of Harry Campbell and Fern Long.

Iris grew up in Galesburg, MI, and graduated from Galesburg High School, where she especially loved playing women's basketball. On September 1, 1950, she married the love of her life, Robert E. Briggs, in Comstock, MI. Together they raised five children-Sharon, Steve, Dale, Peggy, and Kimberly-while building a full and hardworking life on their dairy farm in Vicksburg.

A true homesteader at heart, Iris embodied strength, resourcefulness, and devotion to her family. She was an exceptional homemaker whose hands were rarely still. She found joy in sewing, crocheting, tending her yard and flower garden, and filling pantry shelves with the brightly colored jars of homegrown vegetables she canned every summer. She loved collecting thimbles, lighthouses, and elephants-small treasures that brought her delight.

Iris had a gift for caring for others. She lovingly helped raise her grandchildren, serving as the go-to babysitter for all of them and for many of the neighborhood children as well. Her kitchen was always warm, and the smell of her baking-anything and everything she felt inspired to make-became a cherished part of family memories. One of her favorite places to unwind was the swing beneath her willow tree, where she enjoyed the quiet beauty of the outdoors. Iris was also a faithful member of Vicksburg Community Church, where she found comfort, fellowship, and purpose throughout her life.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Briggs; daughter, Karen Briggs; her parents; siblings Irvin and Cherie; grandson Logan Johns; and son-in-law Ron Waynick.

Left to honor and cherish her memory are her children: Sharon Waynick, Steve (Denise) Briggs, Dale (Deb) Briggs, Peggy (Randy) Switzer, and Kimberly (John) Dilly; grandchildren: Melinda, Jessica, Bryan, Elizabeth, Kari, Dylan, Kimberly, Jason, Kelli, Cody, Jacob, Nicholas, and Benjamin; and her many great-grandchildren: Megan, Alex, Summer, Marshall, Bailey, Anastasia, Trinity, Khloe, Kolten, Jerry, Maddy, Finley, Lillian, Parker, and Sloane.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Boughton Cemetery in Pavilion Township, MI, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Following the graveside service a celebration of her life will be held at Main Street Pub, 208 E Prairie St, Vicksburg, MI 49097, from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m.

Iris will be remembered for her unwavering strength, her gentle heart, and the love she poured into her family, her home, and the land she tended so faithfully.

In lieu of flowers please direct donations to the SPCA of Southwest Michigan or the Alzheimer's Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter. 

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Iris' guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Briggs family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. 269-649-1697.