M.C. Briley

Mr. MC Briley, patriarch of the Briley family, quietly passed away at the age of 89, Saturday, May 9, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio. His gentle nature and generous smile will be greatly missed. Born in Yazoo City, MS, and a product of Yazoo County Schools, MC proudly served his country as a Rifleman and Weapons Instructor for the Army Air Forces when called upon during World War II. Upon his return home, he took employment as an agricultural specialist tending to hundreds of acres while maintaining the farm equipment and tending the livestock. During this time, he met the love of his life and married Bertha Mack with whom he fathered thirteen children. After relocating to Ohio in 1973, it was apparent that the MC stood for Master Carpenter. He was able to see an image in his mind and expertly build it from scratch. Although employed as a General Contractor for the majority of his life, MC was equally as skilled as a tailor, cobbler, small engine mechanic, cook and gardener. A man of many talents, he was most at peace when the garden was full, the flowers in bloom and a fishing pole in his hand. A friend and neighbor to all, MC touched the lives of all who knew him with his compassion and giving spirit. Always sharply dressed with smile on his face, he eternally served his God and creator Jehovah. MC was a proud, strong, loving man who will be deeply missed. The Briley family would like to thank “Dad” for honoring us with his presence and the gift of life during his stay in this world. Moments and experiences shared with him illuminated and added to each of our lives. His presence will be sorely missed but his memory has been imbued within and will be remembered by each of us. We love you Dad and wish you well on your journey. He leaves to cherish his precious memories, Bertha L. Briley; children, Malcolm (Debbie) Briley, Ernest (Mary) Briley, Doris (Meldrum *Deceased) Scott, Lillie Neal, Bertha “Fun” (Kevin) Briley-Salter, Curtis (Lisa) Briley, Brenda Hartley, Ronald “Ray” Briley, and Calvin (Anna) Briley; nephew Willie Ward; and a host of very special grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. MC was preceded in death by children, David and Donald Briley, Mrs. Dorothy Lynch and Mrs. Mary Ann Rayner, siblings, Mrs. Lula Fisher, Mrs. Lorene Johnson, Mr. Ezekiel Milton, and Mrs. Pearl Lee Briley Green, and granddaughter, Katrina Briley.