October 21, 2026, 88, – Betty Jane Nave Briggs, 88, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at UNC Lenoir Healthcare in Kinston. Born in Rexburg, Idaho on August 22, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Boyd Nave and Maxine Richman Bateman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Verdell Welker Briggs; her grandson, Zackary David Gray; her great-grandson, Wesley Spenser Briggs; and her brothers, Boyd Nave and Phil Nave.
Betty lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and service to others. As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she faithfully served in numerous leadership roles, sharing God’s love and encouraging others in their faith. Her commitment to service extended beyond her home and community when she and Verdell served an 18-month mission together in Cambodia, where Betty lovingly taught piano to youth. She later served another 18-month mission at the Family History Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, helping others discover, preserve, and connect with their family heritage. Through her faith and willingness to serve, Betty touched lives and left a lasting legacy of love, devotion, and service to others.
Music was another special part of Betty’s life. She generously shared her musical talents by serving as a pianist at church whenever there was a need. Whether through her music, her church service, or the quiet ways she cared for those around her, Betty found great joy in helping others and making a difference in their lives.
Betty and Verdell shared a love for travel and enjoyed exploring places throughout the world. Yet, no matter where life took her, family remained at the center of her heart. She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments and the lives they built. Their faith, achievements, and service to the church brought her tremendous joy.
Above all, Betty will be remembered for her deep faith in God, her devotion to her family, and her willingness to serve wherever she was needed. Her life was a beautiful example of putting faith into action and showing love through service. The legacy she leaves behind will continue through the generations of family she cherished and the many lives she touched along the way.
Betty is survived by her children, Michael Briggs and wife, Monica; Steven Briggs and wife, Dona; Amy Sullivan; David Briggs; and Kevin Briggs and wife, Anna; 19 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest blessing, and the love she poured into their lives will remain with them always.
The family will receive friends on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Goldsboro. A service to celebrate Betty’s life will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel, with Bishop David Remington presiding. The interment will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Elmwood Cemetery in Fremont, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Betty’s memory to the Missionary Fund at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in care of: Bishop David Remington, 207 Coburn Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
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