Stephen Dale Brisson

Brisson—Stephen Dale Brisson, 68, on July 13, 2023, peacefully with his children at his side at the Carrington Place Rehabilitation and Living Center in Matthews, N.C. Steve was born on May 12, 1955, the second of four children to Anthony (Red) and Rebecca (Becky) Brisson in Charlotte, N.C.

Steve grew up with a ready smile, an optimistic outlook, and a keen sense of humor. He excelled in academics and sports. A love of music was another constant in Steve’s life. As a teen in the 1960s, his lifelong appreciation of rock and folk music was kindled, and he learned to play guitar and harmonica. Later, as an adult, he took up piano.

Steve attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on a football scholarship. He became disenchanted with organized sports and left the university to pursue music and love. In his early 20s, Steve met (Lisa) Jordan at a small venue where he was playing guitar and harmonica. They married in 1980 and had two children, (Sarah) Elisha and Jonathan. Steve and the children lost Jordan to cancer in February 1988.

In his late 20s Steve developed an interest in Eastern religions. In his early 30s he discovered Quakerism, where the silence of an unprogrammed meeting for worship spoke to him as a way to find inner peace. Being still and quiet as a means of self-reflection was a practice Steve found healing. He maintained his appreciation for Quakerism and Eastern religions throughout his life, taking a spiritual trip to India in the early ’90s.

Steve began attending Charlotte Meeting in the 1980s as a young husband and father. He became a member of the meeting in 1987. After Jordan’s death, the meeting became Steve’s spiritual home and provided a loving community for him and his children. He was active in the life of the meeting, serving on the First-day School Committee, teaching First-day lessons, and joining with Elisha and Jonathan for the meeting’s participation in the annual Charlotte CROP Walk to alleviate hunger and poverty. Steve led spiritual discussions with a small circle of Friends. He was a serene presence, open to sharing his gifts and his energy.

In the mid-90s Steve was led to begin an undergraduate major in religious studies at UNC Charlotte, which he completed in 2000. He pursued the degree for personal growth while maintaining his career with the U.S. Postal Service.

In 2005, Steve suffered a hemorrhagic stroke that left him with physical and mental barriers, took his independence, made interpersonal communication difficult, and left him unable to work or pursue his many passions. Despite this enormous setback, Steve continued to join meeting for worship and Friendly Eights gatherings for another decade. His sense of humor shone through, his smile continued to light up any room, and he enjoyed 18 subsequent years surrounded by loved ones. During this time, Steve lived at times with his children, as well as at Carrington Place nursing home, near Elisha’s home.

Though Steve faced a variety of challenges, he maintained his optimism and love for family and friends. He will be remembered for his generous and gentle spirit and as a man who lived his values. He believed in the Quaker testimonies and spent time tending to his spiritual journey. His caring and conscientious spirit has been passed to his children and grandchildren.

Steve was predeceased by his wife, Jordan; his parents; and a sister, Wendy Brisson Grayson.

He is survived by two children, Elisha Polk (Jason) and Jonathan Brisson (Lyndsay); five grandchildren; one brother, Jack Brisson; and one sister, Barbara (Barbie) Brisson.