Marjorie Dee Briggs

Marjorie Dee Briggs was born on March 7, 1928 to Dr. John and Eleanor (Bailey) Henry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She was an only child whose adventures were captured on wonderful home movies. Her father died when she was10, but she enjoyed playing with her cousins.  She graduated from Athens High School, participating in many activities and beginning her love of collecting historical memorabilia.

Dee attended Western College for Women in Miami, Ohio.  In 1948, she married Glenn vonBargen, and they had six children, living in Cincinnati, Athens, and Columbus, Ohio.  She ensured that all of her children graduated from college, working in many positions including at Ohio University and Lazarus. In 1980, she married James Briggs, and they shared many years of enjoying golf, friends, dancing, and travel while living in Cincinnati and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. 

Dee will be remembered for her laugh, courage and determination during difficult times, loyalty to friends, and her unconditional love for her children.  She was generous and loved traveling with her children to Ireland.  She was a long-time and proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames, the Mayflower Society, the Huguenot Society of America, and First Families of Ohio and enjoyed attending their meetings with her daughters.  She took pleasure in researching her genealogy and was a direct descendent of Patrick Henry.  

Dee passed away peacefully with family present on September 7, 2022 at the age of 94, still living in her Cincinnati, Ohio home with the support of her son, Fritz. 

Dee was proceeded in death by husbands Glenn vonBargen and James Briggs, sons William, John and daughter, Anne.  She is survived by daughter Susan Parker (Steve) of Delaware, Ohio; Kent vonBargen (Nancy) of Norman, Oklahoma; Fritz vonBargen of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Ted vonBargen (Lisa) of Liberty Township, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Her family will have a private celebration of her life.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.