Leola J. “Lee” (Maxwell) Briner

Leola J. Lee Briner, age 74, of 3070 Miller Road, Shelby, died Sunday, September 19, 2004 at Med Central Mansfield Hospital from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on St. Rt. 96 and Ganges Five Points Road.

She was born on November 1, 1929 in Mansfield, OH the daughter of the late Russell and Mary (Stevens) Maxwell. She was a 1947 graduate of Union High School. Lee was a former employee of Tappan Stove Co. in Mansfield and retired from Autocall in Shelby. After her retirement, she was instrumental in organizing the annual Autocall reunion. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and was a former member of Hazel Grove Grange and Ladies Aid, was a 4-H advisor and volunteered with the FISH program for many years. Lee was a homemaker and enjoyed sewing and cooking. She lovingly made many quilts for Harmony House and for the Ministerial Association. Her quilts were chosen as the quilts for the silent auction at the Ashland County Fair that benefited Hospice of North Central Ohio. She and her husband, Bill, hosted many picnics at their farm for their family and many friends and neighbors over the years. Lee and Bill enjoyed RV traveling and traveled extensivly throughout the United States and Canada. She especially loved Alaska.

For 50 wonderful years, Lee was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is survived by her husband, William C. Briner, whom she wed on May 23, 1954; son, Charlie (Jennifer) Briner of Shelby; daughters, Pamela (Tony) Hugel of North Ridgeville, OH, Mary Lou Briner and special friend and adopted daughter, Karin Zuckerman, both of Columbus; 4 grandchildren, Heather Cunningham, Stephanie Cunningham (fiancé, Tom Lewis), Aubrie Carney, and Christopher Chris Briner; a great grandson, Brandon Cunningham; brothers, David (Donna) Maxwell of Mansfield, Dean (Marie) Maxwell of Kenton, OH, and Duane Maxwell of Lexington; brothers-in-law, Earl Davis of Wayne, OH and Tom (Kay) Kaylor of Cedar Grove, NJ; many nieces and nephews
Friends may call on Sunday, September 26, 2004 from 1-4 and 6-8 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral services will be on Monday at 10:30 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church , 209 East Main St., Shelby, with her nephew, Rev. Lee Hiney and Rev. Dave Carter officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Plymouth. Memorial expressions may be made to Harmony House, Ronald McDonald House at Akron Children’s Hospital, or Richland County 4-H.