Mrs. Mabel Relford

Mabel Louise Briscoe Relford was born September 6, 1931, to the union of Carl Briscoe and Juanita (Boyd) Briscoe in Morristown, Tennessee. Mabel grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee where she accepted Christ in her life as a young child. Upon graduating from high school, she attended Tennessee State University and graduated in 1953 with a B.S. in Elementary Education (English). Mabel received her first teaching assignment in Mound Bayou, Missis-sippi. While in Mississippi, Mabel married Arthur D. Relford I and from this union four children were born. In 1955, Mabel and her family relocated to East St. Louis, IL in 1962, she became a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church until it was united with St. Augustine of Hippo Catholic Church. Mabel served as an Usher and Sunday School teacher while gracefully accepting additional responsibilities when asked. She was a beautiful, sweet spirit who cared about others and often gave anonymously to those in need. Mabel began her career in East St. Louis School District 189 as a substitute teacher and later became a full-time math teacher. She taught at Hughes Quinn Junior High School, Rock Junior High School, and Lincoln Middle School for more than 35 years until her retirement in 2002. Mabel was an educator extraordinaire who loved her career and wanted every student to excel. She was known as the workshop Queen as she took advantage of all opportunities to support her family while eagerly pursuing a master's degree from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) in 1973. Mabel developed a passion for community service at an early age and was inspired by her math teacher. Her influence upon Mabel led her to become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated as a freshman at Tennessee State University in 1950. As a Pearl and Life member of 74 years, Mabel proudly served and gave of her time and resources until her death. Mabel's love for children and her community was apparent as a member of several organizations, namely, Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, Jack and Jill of America, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Life Member, Illinois Retired Teachers Association (past Treasurer), and previous board member of the Promise Center of East St. Louis. Mabel departed this life Thursday, July 4, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Juanita Briscoe; one son, Arthur D. Relford II; and one grandson, Alexander Relford. Mabel leaves to cherish her precious memory: two daughters, Juanita Jones and Darlene Relford, both of East St. Louis, IL; one son, Anthony "Tony" Relford of East St Louis, IL; ten grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. She also leaves to cherish her memory, her best friend since childhood and soror, Doris Shields and her goddaughter, DeWanna Chatman Palmer.

Mrs. Mabel Relford

September 6, 1931 - July 4, 2024