Joan Marie Briggs, 84, of Exeter, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026 at South County Hospital. She was the daughter of the late William H. Howard, Jr. and Marie E. (LaFreniere) Bishop.

Joan worked for many years as a bus driver and at Allie's Donuts. She later retired from the Ladd Center and also tended bar at the Old Lantern and Exeter Golf Course. A devoted member of Chestnut Hill Baptist Church, Joan found joy in simple pleasures, including puzzles, canning, gardening, and sewing. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family.

She is survived by her son, John W. Briggs and his wife Karen, Son in law David W. Kenyon, three brothers, Joel L. Howard, William F. Bishop, Benjamin A. Bishop, a sister, Veronica A. Whaley, her grandchildren, Joshua B. Kenyon, Timothy J. Briggs, Jamie E. Cordo, Heather L. White, Courtney M. Daglieri, and Brittnee M. St. Angelo, great grandchildren, Jason G. Briggs, David A. DeLisle, Patrick A. DeLisle, Jacob N. Allen, Jaelynn G. Kenyon, Stella J. Cordo, Lucas A. Daglieri,and Molly A. Daglieri, a great great grandchild, Wyatt D. DeLisle and many nieces and nephews. Joan was the mother of the late James E.F. Briggs, Jr., Jack R. Briggs and Joanne Kenyon, sister of the late William H. Howard, III and Betty J. Taylor, and grandmother of the late Jennifer N. Briggs.

Visitation for Joan will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 10 AM to 12 PM with a funeral home service to follow at noon in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery, North Kingstown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chestnut Hill Baptist Church, PO Box 69,

Exeter, RI 02822.