Albertha S Briggs

Age 87, former resident of Elmira, NY for 31 years, went home to be with her Lord, on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at her home in Syracuse, NY surrounded by her loving family. Albertha was born November 18, 1921 in Nassau, Bahamas, the daughter of the late Samuel J. and Elizabeth Ann (Cooper) Minns. Harold Sweeting, Jack Sweeting, Walter Briggs, Peris (Joseph) Sweeting-Woody and good friend Jane Campbell predeceased her. She is survived by her beloved sister, Ruth Minns; loving children, Portia Ortiz, Steven (Robin) Sweeting and Allen (June) Sweeting; adored grandchildren, Melvin Curry, Sarahgrace (Ashley) Riggins, Jabrila (Anthony) Ortiz-King; much-loved great grandchildren, Rachelle, Ajay, Ashlee, Myles, Anthony and Aiden; sister's in the Lord, Bea Wood, Marie Defran and Louis Ellis. Albertha and the late Harold Sweeting came to the United States in the late 1940's to begin their American dream with their growing family. She was a devoted Christian, an avid chef and also enjoyed spending joyous moments with family and friends. She also loved gardening, reading and sewing in her spare time. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Funeral services honoring her life will follow the visitation at 3 PM with the Reverend John McConnell celebrating Albertha's life. Interment will take place in the Bath Cemetery at the convenience of her family. Memorial donations may be directed to the Hospice of CNY 900 7th Street Liverpool, NY 13088 in her memory. A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for her family in obituaries at www.olthof.com