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.