Deloris Briggs Johnson

Deloris Briggs Johnson
Deloris Briggs Johnson came roaring into this world to bless us with her feisty strong-willed independence on October 31, 1924 and died at the age of 99. She was born in the prairie wilderness in Waconda South Dakota, only a handful of years before the Great Depression. Deloris was lovingly raised by her mother’s sister, affectionately known in the family as “Aunt” Nellie (Wales). Deloris was a proud girl scout, phenomenal square dancer, and devout lover of animals.
Always the pioneer, Deloris was one of the original “Rosie the Riveters” during World War II, having worked at the Kaiser Shipyards in Portland Oregon to help with the war efforts.
In 1943 Deloris married Kenneth Volesky and welcomed two children, Carol Eddy and Darrel Volesky. In 1952, Deloris married a second time to Harold Briggs and was blessed with two step-daughters, Bette Procknow and Janice Oar. Deloris went on to raise three additional children from her marriage to Harold; Kim Westlund, Dawn Monagon, and Debra Ribble.
After Harold passed in 1968, Deloris again summoned her independence for a new adventure and boldly went back to school at the age of 44 to complete a degree in Nursing at Chemeketa Community College. Her nursing career focused on geriatric care. Deloris remained in the nursing profession and worked in community nursing homes until her retirement in 1989 at the age of 65.
Later in life Deloris married her long-time friend and partner Emmett Johnson who preceded her in passing in 2015.
Her Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 12-2 pm, at:
Salem/Keizer Area Senior Center
930 Plymouth Drive N.E.
Keizer, OR 97303

Thank You
On behalf of the family of Deloris Briggs Johnson, we would like to thank everyone who helped and supported the family during this difficult time, especially the extraordinary staff at the Dallas Retirement Community. Our proud matriarch has now passed having lived a long and fulfilling life.