Gwen Briggs

March 4, 1954 - August 21, 2017

Gwen Rawlings Briggs passed away on August 21st 2017 at home, surrounded by friends and family. She was a native of Raleigh, born March 4th 1954 and completed initial studies at Broughton High School and a degree in Education (French) from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. As she was the daughter of NC State faculty, she sensibly chose to complete her education with a Masters in Statistics from NC State, where she also went on to teach. She was a woman of many talents, with a heart for both music and education. She was a member of the staff as pianist at St Francis UMC in Cary for many years. She also directed hand bell choirs ranging from first graders to advanced adult choirs. One of Gwen’s most enduring legacies will be her work with students in her piano studio. She encouraged every student to find their love for music regardless of skill level, and the hundreds of students she worked with couldn’t help but be swayed by her passion, patience, and her own abilities as a pianist. Many saw her as a gifted musician and teacher – that alone is a life well lived, but Gwen was also a wonderful daughter, wife, sister, mother, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her husband of 36 years Russell; parents John and Janie Rawlings; her siblings Brad Rawlings (Claudia) and Kalen Fulbright (Joe); her children Amy Holt (Andy) John Briggs (Caitlin); grandchildren Colin and Simon Briggs; and her nieces and nephews Joe (Andrea) and Zach Fulbright, Leah Pfeiffer (Josh), Nicholas and Curtis Rawlings, and Marie Dagger (Ben). Gwen’s service will be held at St. Francis United Methodist Church in Cary at 10:00 AM on Saturday August 26th 2017. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made in her honor to the Community Music School (http://www.cmsraleigh.org/).