Vana Bris-Bois

Born in Aurora, Colorado, to Vance and Dorothy Marquis, she spent her early childhood as an Army dependent, moving with her family from Germany to Arizona before ultimately settling in the small farming town of Marcus, Iowa. It was there that she developed the quiet confidence, strong work ethic, and steady determination that defined her life. It is also where she formed lifelong friendships, especially with her best friend Rose, remaining closely connected no matter where life took them.

After graduating high school, she traveled to England to visit her oldest sister Karen, where she met the love of her life, Chuck Bris-Bois Jr. Their connection was immediate—they were engaged after their first date. Married at just 18, she began a life of devotion to family and country. Shortly after, Chuck entered Army flight school and deployed to Vietnam. During this time, she pursued her own calling, continuing her education at Sloan Kettering in Dayton, Ohio, and graduating from Kettering College of Medical Arts in 1973 as a respiratory therapist.

That same year, they welcomed their daughter Chana, followed by their son Charles in 1975. As an Army family, they were stationed in Germany twice, where she became deeply involved in the community—coaching gymnastics, supporting fellow military families with warmth and strength, and volunteering extensively. Throughout her life, she carried a deep compassion for others, consistently giving her time and energy to uplift those in need. This spirit was reflected in her establishment of a Respiratory Therapy department at the Army hospital in Augsburg, her work as a contract teacher for Big Bend Community College, and her service as Parliamentarian for the Army Officer Women’s Club.

Following Chuck’s retirement from the Army, the family settled in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1987. There, she built a successful second career in human resources, eventually running her own HR business for over a decade. Passionate about golf, she became the first female member of Pine Brook Golf Club—a reflection of both her determination and her love of the game. She continued her community volunteer work with the Red Cross, Hospice, homeless shelters, and was a dedicated member, and at one point President, of the Clemmons, N.C. Rotary Club.

She approached life with gratitude, curiosity, and a spirit of adventure. She loved traveling the world to visit her children, grandchildren, and friends throughout the United States, Alaska, Japan, Germany, and Italy. As an avid reader who devoured books and a lover of music—especially choir and church hymns—she found joy in both quiet moments and shared experiences. She had a special kindness for animals and always shared her home with beloved pets.

In 2020, she and Chuck retired once again to St. James in Southport, North Carolina, where she enjoyed the beach and spent countless happy hours on the golf course.

She is survived by her loving husband, Chuck Bris-Bois Jr.; her daughter, Chana, and son-in-law Brian; her son, Charles, and daughter-in-law Maggie; and her five cherished grandchildren, Bannon, Charlie, Carolina, Miki, and Jack. She is also survived by her sister Linda Martin and her brother, Vance Marquis.

She will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, her unwavering devotion to family and community, and her deep appreciation for all of life’s blessings.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 27, 2026 in the Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral Home Chapel.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.