John C. "Briggs" Kibodeaux

October 29, 1929 - May 4, 2020

John C. “Briggs” Kibodeaux, 90, of China, died Monday, May 4, 2020. A native and lifelong resident of China, he was born on October 29, 1929, to Lucy Dearbonne Kibodeaux and John Kibodeaux. Briggs was a United States Army veteran, having served in the Korean War. He owned and operated Kibodeaux’s Grocery in China for over fifty years.  

He is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Mary A. Hillyer Kibodeaux, of China; sons, Michael J. Kibodeaux and his wife, Suzanne, of Sour Lake and Karl D. Kibodeaux and his wife, Wendy, of Nome; daughters, Lucy D. Lockard and her husband, Charles; Mary Alice Kibodeaux; Charlotte Lowe and her husband, Ward; and Roxanne LeBlanc, all of China; brother, John Kibodeaux, of Beaumont; fifteen grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Briggs is preceded in death by his parents, Lucy and John Kibodeaux; sisters, Lucille Kibodeaux Brassier, Bula Kibodeaux Barnett, and Thelma Kibodeaux Godeaux; and brothers, Earl Kibodeaux and Emmett Kibodeaux.

A graveside service for Mr. Kibodeaux will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2020, at China Cemetery, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Please observe social distancing guidelines.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, P.O. Box 38, China, Texas 77613.

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Graveside Service

Graveside Service
  • 461 Benoit Avenue, China, Texas 77713
  • 05/07/2020
  • 2:00 pm

Broussard's Mortuary - Major Drive

Broussard's Mortuary - Major Drive
  • 1605 n. major drive beaumont tx 77713

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Comments
Genevieve Baxter

I remember him always helping my mom get her groceries home when we were kids. Always so kind. You will be missed.

Lisa and Mike Doguet

I’ve known Mr. Briggs my entire life and witnessed first hand, his strong faith, generosity, kindness, work ethic, and most of all his great love for his family and friends..........Good bye dear Man, we ALL will miss you! Love & Prayers to the entire Kibodeaux family.

Fred & Barbara Blanchette

What a guy that the community of China has lost.but those that have gone before him have gain there buddy, they have been waiting on, can you only imagine the noise they are making by the noise they once made in the store. I may just thankful that I knew J C and Mary, I will see you when this quarantine is over because I don’t want to go see Briggs, Cope and the rest of that bunch.

Judi Benoit

Everyone in China has lost a friend.. It feels that this is truly an end of an era. Ronnie and I are sending our thoughts and prayers for his precious family. God rest his good soul and continue to give comfort to Mary and his children’ and their families.

Diana touchet

My dear one and only bro. In law. Mary is my only sister so many times in the last 10 years I called briggs bro. I law, when he would answer the phone. Briggs was one of a kind, he loved every one. He was a very down home guy and loved his kids and grand kids. I will miss you setting in the swing smiling as people go by. I no you having yr on party on the streets of gold. I will.miss you bro in law.

Nancy (LeJune) Schilhab, daughter of George and Maretta LeJune

My favorite memory of Briggs is walking from our home in China to the neighborhood Kibodeaux grocery with my nickel in hand ready to purchase a box of Red Hots. This spot where Mom and Dad got fresh meats and milk became a community gathering spot for everyone.. I am so grateful for his investment into my small hometown.. Prayers for Briggs and his family.

Diana Touchet

Love you Briggs, I will miss you sooo much. Fly high bro. In law

Sheri Jenkins

Mr. Briggs was a wonderful man. Some of my favorite memories of growing up in China was going in his store. My Dad would not let us charge candy on the account and Mr. Briggs always called him cheap! I bought a red suburban one time and he said that was Opelousas Blue. He will be missed. Prayers to all the family.

Barbara Fesco

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. PAW PAW WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. HE WAS ONE OF A KIND..MS.MARY, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. RIP PAW PAW

James Kibodeaux

A Great loss to the Community and the Family!!

Shannon Garrod

My thoughts and prayers are with you all!! I am so sorry for your loss, but happy for what he has gained! God bless, Shannon Garrod

Catherine Foux

Mr. Briggs was such a big part of our lives growing up in China....to me, he WAS China!!! He and Miss Mary are still in my memory and always together. Miss Mary, I pray for your comfort and peace of mind. Just think, he's probably having coffee with Daddy up in Heaven.. Love and prayers for you and your family!!!

Brenda Travis

My deepest condolences to each and everyone of you. Always in our hearts and prayers. Much love and many hugs. He and your family have been a blot I many. I love his picture and smile and the kiss. It was so appropriate. Just perfect! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Nancy Hogg Cornwell

Keeping the Kibodeaux family in my prayers!

Peggy Granger

My deepest condolences to everyone in the family. Memories of growing up will always include walking or riding bikes to Kibodeaux's with a penny for a gum ball, nickel for a candy bar, or quarter for a Coke. When he got the slush machine, we thought that was so great; especially after a trip to the checks for a swim! Helping Lucy work in the fireworks stand was always such fun, too. I will always remember Mr. Kibodeaux as one of the nicest people in China. I shall miss hearing his unique laugh, hearing him say "How can I help you babe" when I walked in the store and seeing him sitting outside in his swing waving. May God bless each of you with many wonderful memories of joy, love, and laughter and may His peace give you comfort. How fortunate we have been to have him as a part of our community. To Lucy and her siblings, how blessed we have been to have such wonderful and loving parents growing up!!

Colleen Manuel Sanders

Ms.Judi said it best. I love all my Kibodeaux family.

Melissa (Murff) Gallier

Sending thoughts an prayers for your Family from Melissa (Murff) Gallier an Murff Family.

Kay and TC Abernathy

Kay and TC Abernathy loved you all. TC loved all of China folks with his many years at Henderson. We had great Little Dribbler times together with all of you. I taught most of you, too. Very special family. Our love will always be with you as we remember 7681 Ameswood Road, Houston, TX 77095 832-712-6155

Martha Bogan Quibodeaux

Briggs and Mary are a couple never to be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary and the entire Kibodeaux family.