Crystal Jenkins Briggs of Raleigh, NC, transitioned to be with the Lord on January 23, 2024. She was born on October 14, 1955, in Ahoskie, NC, to the late Ophelia and Gurney Lassiter. Crystal was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Crystal was a woman of strong faith, always putting God and family first in her life. She had a warm and bubbly personality with an infectious smile that could brighten anyone's day. Crystal had a positive outlook on life and always saw the good in people. She believed in the power of education and creativity.
Crystal graduated from Ahoskie High School, Ahoskie, NC. She later continued her education at Shaw University, Raleigh, NC graduating Summa Cum Laude and granted membership in Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society.
In her career, Crystal served as a Sergeant with the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and also worked as the Transportation Coordinator for the Eastern Region of the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. She was dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people.
Crystal was a member of several churches throughout her life, including Second Baptist Union Church in Union, NC, Pleasant Plains Baptist Church in Ahoskie, NC, and her final church home, St. Matthew in Raleigh, NC.
Outside of her professional life, Crystal had a passion for canning, particularly pickles. She was known for her delicious homemade pickles. She also enjoyed cooking and was skilled in arts and crafts, especially designing beautiful door wreaths. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren.
Crystal is survived by her son, Christopher Gray of Raleigh, NC; daughters Clarissa Stone (Chris) of Mt. Vernon, NY, and Cristen Gray of Fuquay-Varina, NC; grandchildren Leah Gray of Raleigh, NC, and Christopher Stone, Jr. of Mt. Vernon, NY. She is also survived by her sisters Marian Walker (Paul) of Moseley, VA, Edna Williams of Waldorf, MD, Delores Hawkins of Pennsauken, NJ, Phyllis Mason of Conway, NC, Patricia Cofield of Suffolk, VA, Lorraine Robinson (Walter) of Ahoskie, NC, and Jewel Boyce (Aubrey) of Suwanee, GA., Ex-spouses, Calvin Gray and Herbert Briggs and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Crystal was preceded in death by her biological parents, Ophelia and Gurney Lassiter, her adoptive parents, Annie and Godwin Jenkins, her sisters Jean Hines and Gwendolyn Sparks, her brothers Leon, Melvin, Elmer, and Warren Lassiter, Alton and Jacob Jenkins. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents Helen and Cleveland Anthony, Zertie and Jake Lassiter, Camellia and William Henry Jenkins.
Crystal will always be remembered for her unwavering faith, her loving nature, and her dedication to her family and community. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and positivity that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A funeral service occured Saturday, February 3, 2024 at St Matthews Baptist Church, 5410 Louisburg Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616. A graveside service followed at Pleasant Plains Baptist Church and Cemetery, 801 US-13, Ahoskie, NC 27910.
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