Biography: Jo Dean Darling Briggs died on July 2, 2008. She was born in Muddy Fork, Arkansas to Joseph and Nell Darling. She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Barnett Briggs, grandson; Steele Holt, and six brothers and sisters. Jo Dean was a generous spirit who was unfailing in her caring for her family. She saw her family through the ups and downs of life with a smile, a wise view and a good outcome. Her home was always beautifully decorated and she always welcomed guests with a delicious meal and a good funny story told with gusto and laughter. She had a great compassion for people and was generous with her love, time and talent. She was a beautiful seamstress making or modifying many of her clothes and made beautiful needlepoint for her family and friends. Jo Dean had a real talent for interior decorating, helping many of her friends and family with the right furniture and color selection. She was happy every day and faced the occasional adversity with a smile and determination to see it through with love and kindness. Her beauty went all the way to her gentle heart. Never a birthday or anniversary passed amongst family and friends without a quiet wish from Jo Dean for many happy returns. She loved music, song and dance and lived her life lyrically and joyfully. She was a great friend to those who had the privilege of knowing her especially close friends over the decades. She was a member of Twentieth Century Club; Pulaski County Medical Auxiliary and Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. Her family is especially grateful to Jeanell Trotter and Judy Davison who were her loving companions for the last eleven years. Survivors include her children; Dr. Dale Dildy and wife Jane Briggs, Morgan “Bucky” Magness and wife Judy, Porter Briggs, Melissa Holt and husband Michael, Charles Briggs and wife Betty, and Melinda Markus and husband Jim, grandchildren; Judith Cecil and husband Ed, David Briggs, Chuck Magness and wife Chris, Kristen Woods and husband Steve, Helen Paulson and husband Steve, Margaret Holt, Matt Markus and Jeff Markus and wife Leigh Ann, great-grandchildren; Ryan and Morgan Cecil, Erin and Megan Woods, Will, John and Lizzy Paulson, Briggs Clyburn, and a sister-in-law Pearl Darling. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10 at Ruebel Funeral Home. A Graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, July 12 at Pinecrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, Helping Hands Respite Care,Little Rock, AR 72205; Twentieth Century Clubs Lodge, P.O. Box 21282, Little Rock, AR 72221 or your favorite charity. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com