Michael "Big Mike" Briscoe

blessed with a Very Special Gift – the birth of a beautiful baby

boy Michael Briscoe, in Houston, TX. “Big Mike”, as he was

affectionately known, was the youngest of ten siblings: Au-

drey, Rose Mary, Clarence Jr., Herbert Lee, Lionel, Catherine,

Wilbur, Ronnie, and Cynthia. Big Mike was baptized and

made his First Holy Communion at Our Lady Star of the Sea

Catholic Church. He graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High

School—one of his proudest accomplishments.

After graduation, Big Mike attended various programs for

adults with intellectual and developmental differences at the

Salvation Army and Nixon’s Day Care Center. Always eager

to “go to work,” Big Mike enjoyed singing, dancing zydeco,

rapping, playing the guitar, and arts and crafts. Big Mike was a

jokester and performer who found boundless joy in entertaining

others. He loved Michael Jackson, James Brown, etc.; and

never hesitated to show off his pop-locking or moonwalking

skills. Big Mike would engage anyone in an impromptu rap

battle!

Big Mike lit up every room he entered with his megawatt

grin, laughter, energy, and abundance of love. He never met a

stranger, and was the glue that held the Briscoe family together.

Michael had a special way of reminding others to be present “in

the moment” and to love without reservation. There was always

an endless celebration with Big Mike—he was indeed the “Life

of the Party” … And let’s not forget the fact that regardless of

whose birthday it was, it was still Michael Briscoe’s Birthday!

Indeed, the world was made brighter with Michael in it!

On March 18, 2025, the Lord was well pleased with the work

and mission Big Mike was assigned, and so called our beloved

Brother Michael home. He knew Mike was tired, and needed

rest.

Michael is preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Mildred

Briscoe, brothers - Clarence Briscoe, Jr., Herbert Lee Briscoe,

Lionel Briscoe and Wilbur Briscoe. He leaves to mourn his

passing: one brother - Ronnie E. Briscoe, four sisters - Audrey

Manuel, Rose Mary Roy, Catherine Paley and Cynthia Moreland

(Glenn); one aunt, Clara Belle Donatto; Sisters-in-Law Mary

Ann, Benita, and Quincelia Briscoe, along with a host of loving

nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and family

members and friends everywhere.