Anne Loretta Briley, age 84, of Texarkana, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Texarkana, Loretta graduated from Macedonia High School. She earned the Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College (Class of 1964) and her master's degree from North Texas State University, presently, University of North Texas.
Loretta dedicated her life to education. Her career as an educator took her across the globe teaching the children of U.S. military families serving in countries such as Korea, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Italy, the Philippines, and Japan. She retired in 2007 after decades of impactful service, leaving behind a legacy of learning, compassion, and adventure.
In 2019 Loretta was honored with induction into the Jarvis Christian University Pioneer Hall of Fame. She reflected on her adventurous spirit and deep pride in her work saying "I've taught all over the world. I taught military children. I have done all kinds of wonderful things. Plus, I have seen the world."
Loretta loved traveling, hosting family gatherings, fishing, reading, and discovering new places and foods. She was a generous supporter of many charitable causes, especially her beloved Jarvis.
She is deeply missed by her devoted son, Tony (Dorothy), and her cherished grandchildren Mykael and Gabriel. Loretta is also remembered with love by her siblings: Erma (Robert) Victor, Harvey (Darlene) Briley, Julius (Charlene) Briley Jr., Carl (Barbara) Briley, and James (Waynette) Briley; and sister-in-law Kate Briley. She touched the hearts of 15 nieces and nephews, a wide circle of cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews, former students and colleagues, her extended DODDs family, and many Jarvis classmates and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Julius Briley, Sr., her brother Oscar Briley, and her sister Pinkey Adams.
Service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Haynes Funeral Home, 7238 West 7th Street, Texarkana, TX 75501. A viewing will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Nash Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Loretta's memory to Jarvis Christian University, P.O. Box 1470, Hawkins, TX 75765.