Lorene Briles

Lorene Doris Briles, the daughter of Charles Esgar and Emma Cordelia (Carr) Tindall was born March 11, 1920, on a farm in Adams County, Iowa. Lorene entered eternal rest on Monday, May 4, 2020, at Wesley Acres, Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 100 years.
Following graduation from high school in Corning, Iowa, Lorene began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse near Carbon, Iowa. Later, she graduated with a teaching degree from Iowa State Teacher’s College, now known as the University of Northern Iowa. In college Lorene excelled at archery, tennis and art. During the 1940’s Lorene worked in Columbus, Ohio, typing Morse code messages for the War Department. After the war, Lorene returned to Iowa to resume her career as a teacher. In 1949, she married James Briles and raised her family in Corning. That marriage ended in divorce.
Lorene was a compassionate, kind and strong person. She lived a life of service putting others first. Her cooking and baking, always filled with love, were exceptional. While sweet and gentle, Lorene was a fierce Scrabble opponent. She had a green thumb, and plants indoors and outdoors thrived with her care.
Never one to not be in motion, Lorene worked as a substitute teacher and tutor while her children were at home, then at the Corning Public Library and Corning High School. Her dedication to learning and hard work guided her children to success in their lives.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons Dr. Ed Briles (Brenda) of Idaho, Dr. James Briles of Florida, Dr. Tom Briles (Cindy) of Kansas, and her daughter Dory Briles (Jim) of Des Moines. Lorene delighted in her grandchildren Tyler, Elena, Calvin, Kristen, Curtis, Briles, Lily, Hannah, Kimball, and Pender. Lorene’s other surviving relatives and friends held a special place in her heart, especially her niece, Michelle Leonard, and her family.
Preceding Lorene in death were her parents, siblings Jimmy, Vaughn, Clifford and Wanda Lee; daughter Mary, and daughters-in-law Anita and Kathleen.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Wesley Acres and WesleyLife Hospice for their compassionate care.