Audie Briggs, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024, at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro with her daughters by her side. Audie was born on February 1, 1941, to the late Claude Clay and Lena Johnson in Lebanon, Tennessee, Audie lived a life defined by dedication, love, and resilience.
Audie was a gifted seamstress, a talent she poured into creating cherished memories for her family. From intricately designed Halloween costumes to beautiful sundresses and lovingly crafted doll clothes, her creations were more than just fabric and thread—they were symbols of her love, each piece made with the utmost care and attention. Her grandchildren were the joyful recipients of her craft, with many of their childhood memories stitched together by Audie’s skilled hands. Not only did she make and create the clothes for her grandchildren, but she also made her oldest daughter’s wedding dress and her youngest daughter’s senior prom dress. She was also a skilled baker and every year for every birthday for a family member she would make her famous orange cake.
In addition to her domestic talents, Audie played a crucial role in the success of her husband’s engineering company, serving as the head administrative assistant. Her sharp mind made her an indispensable part of the business. She was not only a supportive partner in life but also in work, ensuring that the company ran smoothly and efficiently.
Audie was known for her strong will and determination, qualities that guided her through the challenges of life. She expressed her love in her own unique way—sometimes quietly, sometimes with an unmistakable firmness—but always with the best intentions. She also became a dedicated caretaker for her late husband, Bobby, when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and her late daughter, Meridith, when she was diagnosed with cancer.
Audie is preceded in death by her parents; husband: James Robert “Bobby” Briggs; daughter: Meridith Briggs; son in law: Casey Harrington; brothers: Jerry Johnson and Claude Johnson.
Audie is survived by her children: Melonie Schneider and Marilyn Harrington; grandchildren: Natalie (Ben) Ashton, Trey Schneider, Whitney Schnieder, Briggs Schneider, Audie (Tyler) Torrontegui, Nelson (Caroline) Schneider, Grayson Shadowens, Jenna (Evan) Wolfgang, and Heath Harrington; great grandchildren: Jordyn Lane, Jack Ashton, Asa Ashton, Zoey Dixon, Darren Torrontegui, Darcy Schneider, Rylee Shadowens, Journey Schneider, and Maggie Shadowens; son-in-law: Deric Shadowens; brother: Bobby Lee Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee. The celebration of life for Audie will be on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia with her daughters Marilyn and Melonie speaking and granddaughter, Natalie speaking.
Williams Funeral Home is assisting family with arrangements.
