Late Mrs. Matilda Kuroma Clifford Garden Briggs, popularly called Aunty by her relatives, was born on the 7th of April 1949 in Buguma in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State. She was a twin child of Somoni Iboroma of the Opuwariboko house in Ido community, and Oboya Ejiegu, the only daughter of Ejiegu of Tariah Compound in Buguma, all in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State. 

Late Matilda, in her tender age, attended elementary school in Buguma, in late 1950s. She continued her education after getting married to her late husband, Clifford Garden Briggs, who encouraged her, in early 1970s. It was an adult education program in St. Marys Compound Aggrey Road Port Harcourt. No doubt she was intelligent as she always did well in her academics. She knew the importance of education, hence her resolve to seeing that all her children are educated to the highest possible level.

Late Matilda got married to Late Clifford Garden Briggs. They both had eight children, four boys and four girls. Matilda left behind 22 grand children and a great grand child.

To support her husband in shouldering the economic task of catering for her family, Matilda engaged fully in business and trading. Her early trading ventures were: grocery business, major dealer on palm oil, and CocaCola drinks. Matilda, in early 1990s to 1998, before the demise of her late husband, also ventured into trading a verity of business. Matilda was industrious and hardworking, always doing something to support the family.

Late Matilda was born into a humble and God fearing Christian family. Before her illness and eventual demise, she was a dedicated member of Christ Army Church Dioub, Port Harcourt. Late Matilda and her late husband, in the early 1970s to late 1980s, where members of Baptist Church 93 Aggrey Road Port Harcourt. All her children where dedicated in First Baptist Church 93 Aggrey Road Port Harcourt. Matilda was also a member of St. Matthias Afrian Church in Port Harcourt.

Late Matilda was a social personality and was once a member of the Tariahibi Dokiawo social group of Buguma. Late Matilda's antics were legendary and those who knew her have their own stories to tell. She was straight forward in her dealings with people and always on the path of truth. Late Matilda was endowed with wisdom and was a good counsellor. People came from far and near to seek advice from her. She gave Godly counsel to marriages. Late Matilda had compassion, she was an inspiring soul, always there for all who came to her with their troubles. Her home was open to everyone, and her hospitality made them feel comfortable and loved. She was the most loving, humble, compassionate, understanding, family-orientated woman and one of the most beautiful souls one could ever meet.

Late Matilda became sick and went in and out of hospital at various times.  Her health condition deteriorated over time. During her last days, her children were always around her as she fought through life affirming her strength in God, never gave up in her spirit, but her physical body could not sustain  the pressure and she went to rest with the Lord on that faithful day  of 24TH July 2022. She fought gallantly to the end.

Rest In Peace Matilda (Iyingi), we will always miss your good deeds and we are rest assured that, you are with your maker in heaven.

SHE SURVIVED BY 

Children:

1. Mr. Tonye Clifford Somiari(son)

2. Mr. Ibiba Clifford Somiari(son)

3. Mrs. Sarah Ikeagwu(daughter)

4. Pst. Mrs. Sharon A. Heinz-Tebeda(daughter)

5. Mrs. Abiye S. Charlse-Somiari(daughter)

6. Mr. Dimabo D. Somiari-Briggs(son)

7. Mr. Emmanuel Somiari-Briggs(son)

8. Miss. Rosemary I. Somiari-Briggs(daughter)

Grand Children

1. Soibi Tonye Somiari

2. Dienye Brown

3. Nimi Ibiba Somiari

4. Irene Ibiba Somiari

5. Elizabeth Ibiba Somiari 

6. Omiete Ibiba Somiari 

7. Precious I. Ikeagwu

8. Peace U. Ikeagwu

9. Prisca O. Ikeagwu 

10. Princess M. Ikeagwu 

11. Eden M. Heinz-Tebeda

12. Nissi I. Heinz-Tebeda

13. Zelig E. Heinz-Tebeda

14. Jakim A. Heinz-Tebeda

15. Bryan Charles Somiari

16. Datokini Dimms-Briggs

17. Peniel Dimms-Briggs

18. Ibiye Emmanuel-Briggs

19. Matilda Emmanuel-Briggs 

20. Daniel Somiari 

21. Marvellous Somiari 

22. Ava Somiari 

Great Grand Child

1. Olivia Peter Akor

Son In-Laws

1. Brr. Sunday Ikeagwu

2. Pst. Heinz J. Tebeda

3. Hon. Charlse Somiari

Daughter In-Laws 

1. Amah Tonye Somiari

2. Evelyn Ibiba Somiari 

3. Chiamaka Dimms-Briggs

4. Bose Emmanuel-Briggs

Brother, Sister, Uncles, Cousins, and host of other relations too numerous to mention.