Stephen Dale Brisson

Stephen Dale Brisson (Steve) was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 12, 1955, the second of four children (Jack, Steve, Wendy & Barbie) to his parents Anthony (Red) and Rebecca (Becky) Brisson. He grew up in West Charlotte, attending Harding High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. In his younger years, Steve spent a lot of his free time playing basketball at the park down the road from their house on Carlisle Drive. He was the diplomat among his siblings and enjoyed strong relationships with each throughout his life.

After high school, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also played on the football team. Becoming disillusioned with aspects of organized sports and his liberal arts education at the time, Steve then took a sabbatical from higher education. During this time, he pursued other interests including music and love. He wrote music and played the guitar and harmonica. It was while playing at a small venue that he met Lisa Jordan, a waitress there. They hit-it-off, soon married, and subsequently had two children, Elisha and Jonathan.

Steve maintained his devotion to his wife, until she lost her battle with cancer at the young age of 32 years. Despite the challenge of being left a single father for two young children, he provided a nurturing home, imparting in his children his gentle and hardworking nature, which continues to serve as inspiration as they now raise their own families.

As Steve worked full time for the United States Postal Service and provided for his family, he continued to pursue his passions to include reading (mostly non-fiction), playing the piano (which he did mostly 'by-ear'), playing tennis, watching sports (especially UNC basketball), and spending time with family. Steve had an interest in various religions, and joined Charlotte Friends Meeting in his 30s, which provided a spiritual home and invaluable fellowship throughout the remainder of his life. Later returning to higher education, he earned a bachelor's degree in Religious Studies from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

In 2005, shy of his 50th birthday, Steve suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. This injury left Steve with various physical and mental barriers, taking his independence, making interpersonal communication difficult and leaving him unable to pursue some previously held passions. Despite these limitations, his sense of humor shone through, his smile continued to light up any room, and he enjoyed 18 subsequent years surrounded by loved ones.

Though Steve faced a variety of challenges in his life, he maintained his optimism and love for family and friends. He was a kind and gentle person and his caring and conscientious spirit has been passed to his children and grandchildren. Steve's daughter, Elisha, lives in Charlotte with her husband (Jason) and their three children (Jordan-12, Ever-9, and Landon-6). His son, Jonathan, lives in Morganton, NC with his wife (Lyndsay) and their daughters (Nora-7 and Emersen-4).

Steve passed away peacefully in Charlotte on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 8:50am, with Jonathan and Elisha by his side. A Quaker Memorial Meeting, to remember Steve, will be held at Charlotte Friends Meeting (570 Rocky River Rd West, Charlotte, NC) on Sunday, July 30 at 2pm. Friends and family are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made by check to Charlotte Friends Meeting (PO Box 561793, Charlotte, NC 28256) or Meher Spiritual Center (10200 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 or online at mehercenter.org/donate); both are 501c3 organizations.