Joseph Brister

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph Allen Brister, who left us peacefully at the age of 71 on May 10, 2025. Joseph was a dedicated family man - known as “Allen” by friends and family, as a man of few words with a big heart. Born on September 6, 1953, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, he spent most of his life in Big Lake, Louisiana, where he built a loving home and a fulfilling career.

Allen was a Senior Engineering Assistant at Entergy in a career spanning 30 years and took great pride in his work in everything he did. He was known for his dedication, professionalism, his wit and sense of humor, and how he was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and family alike.

He was a fierce competitor, and a dog lover. He also especially loved carpentry and woodworking, building his wife’s “dream home” with his own hands, making treehouses, bunkbeds, bookshelves, & furniture for his kids and grandkids. Allen’s expertise was always critical for the many homebuilding and renovation projects for friends and family, including those following several major hurricanes. Everyone always bragged about his fudge, which was the best around, and his chocolate fudge cake was in high demand for almost every family birthday party.

He adored the love of his life, Connie, and they were married for fifty years.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Connie Brister, and their three wonderful children: Rachelle Mitchell (David), Micah Brister (Melonie), and Sarah Mann (Eric). Joe is also survived by his loving siblings, brother Terry Brister (Melissa) and sister Kathy McCollum (Mike), and his nine grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held in Allen's honor at Johnson Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM with a short service to follow. After the service, the family has entrusted cremation arrangements to Johnson Funeral Home.

There is much to be said about the life of Joseph Allen Brister; his love for the Beatles, his skill with hunting & fishing, his bright, blue eyes and his smile that could light up a room as he laughed with his family, and so much more, but we know that words will really never be able to describe the impact his life has had or how much he means to his family and friends.

He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a mission that Joe supported for many years.