(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)Heather Dawn Haar-Briley, long-time dance instructor and owner of Briley Performing Arts, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
Heather was born on June 26, 1971, in Joplin to Bob and Lynn (Baggerly) Haar. Heather began dance classes at the early age of 3. She was graduate of McAuley High School in 1989 where she was active in cheerleading. She then attended Missouri Southern State University where she was a theater student.
Heather was united in marriage to Sean Briley on November 13, 1999, in Joplin. Together, they enjoyed raising their two daughters, Emma and Allyson.
Not only was Heather a devoted wife and mother, she was also a gifted teacher to young children. She previously worked with autistic children until 2002 when she became the Dance and Musical Theatre Instructor and the Preschool Dance Director at Pinocchio School of Dance. In 2013 she opened Briley Performing Arts in Webb City and was an active member of Joplin Little Theatre being involved in many productions over the years. Heather was an inspiration and mentor to her students. She advocated for each to feel safe, heard, and empowered. She loved each student, which was shown through her hugs, encouragement, and making them a part of her family.
Survivors include her parent, Bob and Lynn Haar, of Joplin; her husband, Sean Briley, of Joplin; her two adored daughters, Emma Briley and Allyson Briley, both of Joplin; one brother, Scott Haar, and his wife, Kristen, of Springfield; one sister, Holly Jones, and her husband, Steve, of Mt. Vernon; a sister-in-law, Melynda Trice, and her husband, Tony, of Wichita; her mother-in-law, Atha Briley, of Wichita; her grandmother, Virginia Haar, of Jefferson City; a bonus son, James Boyd, of Joplin; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
Not only was Heather a devoted wife and mother, she was also a gifted teacher to young children. She previously worked with autistic children until 2002 when she became the Dance and Musical Theatre Instructor and the Preschool Dance Director at Pinocchio School of Dance. In 2013 she opened Briley Performing Arts in Webb City and was an active member of Joplin Little Theatre being involved in many productions over the years. Heather was an inspiration and mentor to her students. She advocated for each to feel safe, heard, and empowered. She loved each student, which was shown through her hugs, encouragement, and making them a part of her family.
Survivors include her parent, Bob and Lynn Haar, of Joplin; her husband, Sean Briley, of Joplin; her two adored daughters, Emma Briley and Allyson Briley, both of Joplin; one brother, Scott Haar, and his wife, Kristen, of Springfield; one sister, Holly Jones, and her husband, Steve, of Mt. Vernon; a sister-in-law, Melynda Trice, and her husband, Tony, of Wichita; her mother-in-law, Atha Briley, of Wichita; her grandmother, Virginia Haar, of Jefferson City; a bonus son, James Boyd, of Joplin; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
Heather was preceded in death by her grandparents, Dick and Bonnie Baggerly; grandfather, Robert Haar Sr.; and father-in-law, Carver Briley.
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday, June 8th beginning at 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM at St. Mary’s. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin.
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday, June 8th beginning at 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM at St. Mary’s. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin.
No comments:
Post a Comment