Mary Ellen Hollowell Briggs, 85, of Sunbury, NC passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Born on September 20, 1940, Mary was the wife of the late Hurley Briggs, Sr. and was the daughter of William Henry Hollowell and Frances Ellen Goodwin Hollowell, both deceased. In addition to her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by her step-son, Tim Briggs; two sisters, Edna Mae Parker and Catherine Chesson; and brother, James Hollowell.

Survivors include her son, William J. “Billy” Briggs and wife, Nancy of Sunbury, NC; two grandchildren, Chris Turner and wife, Kim, and Dustin Briggs and wife, Jordan; three step grandchildren and their families, Timmy Hedgepeth, Karen Banks, and Michael Briggs; two great grandchildren, Ava Turner and Hatton Briggs; one great granddaughter expecting to be born in January 2027, Lottie Leigh Briggs; sister, Faye Wiley; brother W.H. Hollowell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Mary’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Beulah Baptist Church, Sunbury, NC. The family will receive friends on Thursday immediately following the service in the fellowship hall.

The family would like to express a gratitude of thanks to her special care taker, Doreen Stokley and to the staff at the Gates House.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, NC is assisting the Briggs family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com