Damaris Jane Briggs

Damaris Jane (Dee) Briggs passed away on September 14, 2025, at her home in Saint Cloud, MN, surrounded by her family. A Graveside service will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 12:30 P.M. at Riverside Cemetery, in Sterling, IL.

Damaris was born on March 3, 1934, to James Briggs and Mary Rose Burall in Franklin County, PA. She married Wells Shearer in 1956, raising three children together, they later divorced. Dee was a longtime resident of the Quad Cities, working as an auditor for and retiring from John Deere. Later, she moved to Sartell, MN to be closer to family there. An avid reader, card player, quilter and baker, Dee preferred brand name ingredients because they just tasted better. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters Julie (Steve) Derick, Janelle (John) Carlton; sister Mary Lillian; brother George Timothy; grandchildren Alisha and Josh Littig, Hannah Derick; great-grandchildren Kayden and Miles Carlton, Kaylei Littig; great-great grandchild Amina Carlton Sanchez and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary; brother Paul; and sisters Rachel and Alice Faye; and son Rudy Shearer.