Mary Ann Rivenbark Briley, age 59, of Burgaw died Friday, December 11, 2009 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter with her beloved family at her side.

She was born December 6, 1950 in Duplin County, the daughter of the late Ronald and Beatrice Knee Cavenaugh Rivenbark.

Mary Ann leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 39 years, Joseph Samuel "Wayne" Briley, Jr.; daughter, Shannon Briley Humphrey and her husband, Franklin, of Burgaw; son, Joseph "Joey" Samuel Briley III of Burgaw; grandchildren, Briley Ann Humphrey and Franklin Shackelford "Shack" Humphrey; brother, Ronald Stephenson "Steve" Rivenbark and his wife, Emily, of Raleigh and their children, Kristen R. Kubitz and Jess Rivenbark; her Dachshunds, Dappy and Harley; and many extended family and friends.

Mary Ann was a faithful member of Burgaw Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and gave freely of her time and talents. She was a former member of the Burgaw Rotary Club and was always active in the community.

From 1973 to 1977 Mrs. Briley served as Deputy Register of Deeds. In 1977 she began working in the Pender County Clerk of Court office and in 2001 she became Pender County Clerk of Court, serving until her retirement April 1, 2008.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 15, at Burgaw Baptist Church with The Rev. Phillip Jones and The Reverend James H. Faison III, District Court Judge, officiating.

Burial will follow in Rockfish Memorial Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be selected representatives from Pender County Law Enforcement Agencies.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Burgaw.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Burgaw Baptist Church, PO Box 385, Burgaw, NC 28425, Pender County Humane Society, PO Box 626, Burgaw, NC 28425, Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401 or the charity of one's choice.

With grateful appreciation the Briley family would like to thank Gretchen Kimmick, MD and her staff at Duke UMC and the staff of Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care.

Mary Ann Briley was a joy to know and was like a beautiful ray of sunshine to her family, her friends and to all she served during her years as Pender County Clerk of Court. She was filled with grace, kindness and thoughtfulness for others. Her mantra was: Do justice, love your neighbor, and walk humbly with God. Mary Ann's life was devoted to her family and uplifting others. Well done Thou good and faithful servant, enter into your rest.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.