Rev. Marcus R. Briggs, 71, of Russell, PA., died peacefully, Sunday morning, January 23, 2022, at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home, Warren, PA. Marc was welcomed into the healing arms of Jesus after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
Marcus was born April 10, 1950, in Jamestown, N.Y. Marc was the son of Arthur Roy Briggs and Joyce A. Sadler Briggs McNaughton. He was a resident of Russell, PA., most of his life. Marcus was a 1968 graduate of Eisenhower High School.
Above all, Marc’s true calling was ministry and spreading the word of God. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Religion and Psychology in 1972 from Roberts Wesleyan College. He was a graduate of the Nazarene Theological Seminary. From there on, he devoted his life to being a messenger of the Lord and spreading God’s truth. Marcus always said he had the best job in the world telling people that God loved them. Rev. Briggs started his time in ministry as a pastor in Gettysburg, PA., and then Annapolis, MD. In 1984, he moved back to Warren, PA., where he was employed for over 30 years as Chaplain of the Warren General Hospital and Rouse Warren County Home. He had also worked part time as a Chaplain at the Warren State Hospital. For the past four years he has served as Chaplain of the Warren County Prison, to which he was very dedicated. Marcus was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene, Warren, PA. He was active with the Men’s Prayer Time, the Crossing, the Warren County Men’s Ministry, Wednesday morning Bible study, and numerous other bible studies. He was gifted at forging connections between members of the community and, more importantly, his community and heaven.
Aside from his ministry, one of his greatest loves in life was being a farmer on his family farm. Marc loved being outdoors and in touch with nature and all of God’s creation. A true steward of the earth, he enjoyed gardening, tending to his farm animals, reading, and spending time with his family. Up until his brief illness, he raised sheep, goats, pigs, steers, chickens, and bees in the pastures of his family’s land. Marc lived his life with enthusiasm and was called to heaven after fully giving all he had to being a devoted disciple.
He is survived by his wife, Lucinda L. Seiz Briggs, whom he married March 6, 1997, in Russell, PA., three children – Daniel R. Briggs and wife, Jennifer of Scottsville, N.Y., Monica Backstrom and husband, Donny of Warren, PA., Michael Briggs and wife, Janine of Pottstown, PA., 2 stepchildren – William Shultz and wife, Lynn of Sheffield, PA., Matthew Shultz and wife, Susan of Golden, CO., half-sister, Rebecca Schwarz and husband, Bill of Austin, TX., step-mother, Jacky Briggs of Austin, TX, a niece, Emily Wachter and husband, Ramie of Pittsfield, PA., a nephew, Nathan Sherman and wife, Regi of Edinboro, PA., 11 grandchildren – Ethan, Julia, Levi, Micah, Braxton & Ivy Briggs, Jordon Clark, Adam & Tristan Backstrom, Lillian & Haven Shultz.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dianne A. Sherman, as well as stepfather, Velmour “Mac” McNaughton.
Friends will be received at the First Church of the Nazarene, 907 Pennsylvania Avenue East, Warren, PA. on Sunday, January 30, 2022, from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 P.M. where a funeral and committal service will be conducted on Monday, January 31, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. J. Maier, Pastor, officiating. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Warren County Prison Ministry, 407 Market Street, Warren, PA. 16365, or Hospice of Warren County, www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org <www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org/>, 1 Main Avenue, Warren, PA. 16365 or House of Hope of Warren County, P.O. Box 881, Warren, PA. 16365 or Women’s Care Center of Warren, 203 W. Third Avenue, Warren, PA. 16365 or the Crossing, 350 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com <www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com/> The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Thinking of you Cindy and Marc’s extended family. Hang in there, you’re all in my prayers.
Marc was a wonderful mentor to so many. He was definitely a good shepherd and loved caring for his flock. We left us who knew him with a spiritual way of life we should all try to follow. Reaching out to help where needed. We should all strive to be a shepherd.
Oh Wow..so gladthat Peggie and I were able to visit Marc awhile ago before this happened..He was such a mellow and humble Preacher and person..we lived him so much and were disappointed when he left Md..Well he is at rest in the arms of Jesus..hope my wife and Him have a great Reunion..Love You Marc..❤
My sincerest sympathies to his friends and family. I remember him fondly from when I worked at Warren General. He graciously conducted my husband, Ron’s funeral. He will be missed.
So so sorry to hear this. Prayers for Cindy and the family.
Mark was so supportive when I was a music therapist at the Rouse Home in the early 80’s.
He was a great comfort to my parents as they visited my grandmother at the Rouse Home after I moved out of state.
I pray that God comforts you—his family and friends. What a great loss.
Rev. Briggs was one I could talk to so comfortable and he listened very inventive.
He was so kind to all the residents at the Rouse Home where my mother resided for 6 years and our daughter Sheila was a Music Therapist there at the same time, until she married and moved away.
Blessing and prayers to his family. Always enjoyed meeting Mark and his friendly wife Cindy.
One Great Servant of God will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Marc was so special to our family and we enjoyed our times together over the years at the Nazarene church and in his various roles as chaplain. He ministered to my mom and our family countless times during my mom’s decline with dementia. His kind words at her memorial service in September blessed us so much. He was a faithful servant of God and we rejoice that he is in heaven with his Saviour and Lord.
A wonderful man and friend. He was a mentor to me over the past several years in the Pastorate. One of a kind and all in for Jesus. I thank God for having known him, and shared life experiences. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor to me. I will continue to honor his memory by showing what love truly is. That it is found in Jesus and no other.
I met Rev. Marcus at the hospital when my Grandmother was there many many years ago. He was someone who truly had the gift to do what he did. He filled the room with such calm and love. He was so genuine and made you feel good. A great loss to your family the warren community.
Marc was such a wonderful man. He touched many, many lives. He will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to his entire family during this time.
I had the pleasure of knowing Rev. Briggs for30 years and he has been a great mentor and friend in Christ
Cindy and family,
I’m so sorry about Marcus he was such a great person he never spoke ill of anyone. May he be at peace and sitting at the lords table with his family of loved ones. May he keep a watchful eye on all of us. RIP Marcus you were one of the good one.
Such a loss to our community and his family, he was devoted to his patients and staff. Fly high Rev Briggs, you’ll be remembered forever.
The world is a poorer place without him. Marc always carried an air of peace about him spreading the aroma of Christ, even when he was a young man.
I worked at the Rouse home Marcus always brighten my day he always had a smile he made a bad day into a good one prayer for his family rip Rev. Briggs
Whether you knew Marc for many years or he only briefly crossed your path, he left his fingerprint on your soul with marks of kindness and his love for our Lord! His memory will live on in all who him. Blessings to his family!
I am so grateful for knowing Marc, and that I was able to connect with him recently. His love for the Lord and passion for the Kingdom are an example to us all of a life laid down in service to Him.
Your big smile and loving touch will be missed. You always had the right words to say. God bless you and your family. I know you will be looking upon us.
I was so blessed to have know Marc. He really help and held me up in my time of need. Just his smile alone could calm your soul. He will be forever missed, but I’m sure God has great plans for him yet!
We are so grateful to have known Marc. He had a rare spirit, the kind of presence so badly needed in our world at the moment. Our condolences to the family.
Marc was a truly wonderful man. Condolences to his family.
Cindy sorry for your loss sending prayers for you and your family. He will be missed as he last said Jesus wins.
I worked with Rev. Briggs at the Rouse. He was always willing to help me prepare for my readings on Sunday with the difficult Biblical pronunciations. May the Lord bless Cindy and family during this time of loss.
Cindy, we send you our sincere sympathy and prayers. Marc was such a kind and special person. He will be missed by everyone he touched both personally and spiritually. May time and memories help you find peace. Tim and Barb Greenlund
My heart was broken at the news of my dear friend’s passing. Marc was a friend and mentor to me in my calling as a minister of the gospel. His wisdom and guidance were the foundations that have led me to be the pastor I am today. His love of Jesus and his love for his neighbor were shown in everything that he did.
My prayers are with Cindy and Marc’s entire family as they go through this time. God’s love and blessings be with you all.
Rev. Briggs officiated at the funerals of both my parents, Wilbur and Arlene Lookenhouse. Also my Aunt Pauline Hannold, and mother of my best friend, Jean Sorenson. I never knew him until my dad went into the Rouse, a short time before he passed away. My dad thought a lot of him and the rest of my family came to see what a wonderful person he was. Sorry for your loss. Heaven gained another angel.
I’m so very sorry for the loss. He was a wonderful man and will always be remembered as a faithful Minister of the gospel to the world.
My condolences to Marc’s family. Marc always had a kind word for everyone. I don’t think he ever met a stranger. His dedication to his ministry was such an inspiration to me. He will be missed.
To Marc: I have had the enjoyment of knowing you for so many years. This continues to be one of God’s great mysteries. Why He decided to take you now, when you had so many more people here to help. I will miss you. I look forward to seeing you again one day.
Jim Lynch.
Marc was a true Believer who warmly welcomed me to the Warren Community when I arrived at St. Luke,Youngsville.
What a loss!
Marc was a wonderful man. He inspired all of us to be good people. He was to me a perfect example of what a true Christian should be. Rest In Peace dear Marc.
Marc has truly gone home. Cindy, our prayers to you and the family for comfort. Marc will be missed so much by so many whose lives he touched so genuinely for Jesus for so many years. I always appreciated his Sunday services at the Rouse Home. He was a great comfort to us at the hospital, when God sent him to the Emergency Room, where my dad had just died. I also learned so much when I followed him to prison with my guitar. And we continue to appreciate his goats and their kids. His legacy will go on and on!
Cindy and family: Its so very sad to hear of Marks passing! He was one of the strongest Christian men I ever new. He is now home visiting with all those whom he has encouraged over the years and I’m sure that alone will take years in heaven to accomplish! I cant even imagine the garden and farm he will have in heaven! He will most certainly be missed here, and his boots will be very hard to fill!!!!