Aileene Brisco

Aileene Adams Brisco passed away Saturday, April 11, 2009, at the Sanctuary Hospice House. She was born September 27, 1917, in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Her parents were Marshall T. and Willie Fletcher Adams. She began her education in Pontotoc city schools, attended Bellhaven College and graduated from the University of Mississippi. She completed her education by attending Emory University where she earned the Master of Library Science Degree. For the next few years, she held a number of library positions, working for the Jackson Public Library, the University of Mississippi Library, and in the Memphis Public School System in order to support her growing family while her husband, Dr. Lawrence H. Brisco, completed his education. After moving back to Tupelo, in 1955, she devoted her time to raising their four children and serving her church and community as an active volunteer.

She served First Methodist Church by working the church library, by being Circle Leader, Bible Study Leader, and President of the United Methodist Women, and as a member of the Altar Guild. She was a charter member of the Pilot Club, and a member of the Tupelo Junior Auxiliary, the Tupelo Garden Club, the Hoe and Hope Garden Club, and the North Mississippi Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary, of which she served as president. She also enjoyed participating in several literary/social clubs, the Mutual Culture Club, the Peripatetic Club, and the Rootery Club of Pontotoc. She genuinely enjoyed of all these activities because she was truly a people person, one of whom it can be said that she never met a stranger. However, the primary focus of her life was her family. She wholeheartedly supported her husband and her children in their many activities serving as Brownie Scout Leader, Club Scout Den Mother, Homeroom Mother, PTA President, carpool driver, cupcake baker, etc. She was happiest when picnicking, gathering driftwood, or driving the ski boat on the Tennessee River at Pickwick, or gathering extended family and friends together for fried chicken dinners on Saturday, prepared by her longtime housekeeper, Christean Kimbrel.

Those who loved her will miss her unconditional support, her cheerful, optimistic outlook, and her willingness to do whatever she could do to help in any situation. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Lawrence H. Brisco, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall T. Adams, and her brother, Judge George F. Adams.

She is survived by her four children, Beverly Chappell (Joe), Lawrence Brisco, Jr. (Lisa), Marshall Briscoe (Barbara), and Tish Overly (Ralph), and six grandchildren, Mary Beth Chappell, Amanda Chappell, Adams Briscoe, William Briscoe, Lauren Briscoe, and Evan Overly.

In lieu of flowers her family requests that any memorial gifts be made to the Lee County Library, Sanctuary Hospice House, or United Methodist Senior Services.

Memorial Services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Tupelo with Rev. Andy Ray officiating. A private burial service will be held at the Union Cemetery northwest of Belden. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and after services in the Gathering Room of First United Methodist Church.