Addie Lou Vanderford Briley

Addie Lou Vanderford Briley, 69 of Atlantic Beach, NC, passed away Sunday, August 6, 2023, at her home surrounded with love.

Addie Lou was born on October 20, 1953, in Pitt County, NC, to the late Roy Lee Vanderford and Ella Louise Matthews Vanderford. After graduating from Robersonville High School in 1972, she went on to study Early Childhood Education at East Carolina University.

Throughout her 35 years as an educator, she taught students in Pitt, Martin, Beaufort, and Edgecombe County Schools. Addie Lou had a passion for children and a calling to mentor future teachers. She was named Teacher of the Year multiple times and proudly served on the Martin County Board of Education.

Before and after her retirement, Addie Lou could be found on the dance floor. Her commitment and service to the Beach Music Community awarded her inductions into the Eastern North Carolina and Atlantic Beach Shag Club Hall Of Fame. Addie Lou has been described as a ray of sunshine and made an impact on so many people. She was a thoughtful giver and selfless do-er. She was blessed with lifelong friends that she considered family.

Faith and Family were most important to Addie Lou. She had a servant's heart and had given her life to Christ. She often set aside her needs to ensure the well-being of her children and grandchildren. She worried about them, rooted for them, and protected them. She loved big and unconditionally. Her grandchildren will remember her loving nature, playfulness, and her “prizes”. She never came to see them empty handed. Addie Lou cherished what she called the best five years of her life with her husband, Eddie. They adored each other and you could feel the love between them. She was an excellent Wife, Mother, and Haha. Our loss is immeasurable.

Addie Lou is survived by her devoted husband, Eddie Briley of Atlantic Beach. Children, Gentri Wiese (Ryan) of High Point, Robert Lee Leggett Jr. (Kaylee) of Robersonville, and Ashley Briley Fox of Hampstead. Grandchildren, Addie and Mia Wiese, Jersi Jernigan, Carter, Haley, and Riley Leggett, Noah and Jackson Fox, and Morgan Burroughs. Sisters, Kathy Vanderford Roberson (James) of Burlington and Fran Vanderford Wilson (Matt) of Raleigh.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Emma Jean Vanderford Wilson and Leon Wilson.

At the request of Addie Lou, we are preparing a small private service to be held at a later date.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.