Steve and Sherri Briscoe
Residents of Salem, IN, Steve and Sherri Briscoe, have left an enduring mark on the Washington County community through their generosity and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of its residents. Born in 1953 in Chicago, IL, Steve's roots intertwine with the Windy City. At a young age, Steve and his mother Edith (Knight) Briscoe moved to Salem. A few years later, Edith married Steve’s step-father, Charles "Eddie" Pennington.
Sherri was also born in 1953 to James and Naomi Schneck. Sherri’s family has very deep roots in Gibson Township, often referred to as the “Great State of Gibson” by local residents. She attended Little York Grade School until the 7th grade. Beginning her 8th grade year, Sherri rode the bus to Salem. Sixty-five years later, Sherri still maintains close friendships with her elementary school classmates.
Both Steve and Sherri are proud graduates of Salem High School, Class of 1971, where they laid the foundation for a lifetime of shared experiences and accomplishments. Growing up, they each drew valuable lessons from their parents. The most important lesson they learned from them was the value of hard work and honesty, principles that have guided Steve and Sherri throughout their lives.
In their formative years, both Steve and Sherri were able to identify role models in their teachers. Steve found inspiration and mentorship from Don Ferree, a high school work mentor, while Sherri looked up to Miss Katie Hudson, her 2nd and 4th-grade teacher at Little York Grade School. Miss Hudson's kindness and patience left a lasting impression, motivating Sherri to always strive for her best.
High school sweethearts who have celebrated over 50 years of marriage, Steve and Sherri returned to Salem after Steve's honorable discharge from the Air Force, driven by a deep love for their families. The Briscoe family expanded with the birth of their two children, Daniel in 1981 and Kelly in 1982. Over the years, their family has grown, and they now take joy in being grandparents to four grandchildren.
Sherri's professional journey in nursing spanned 40 years, with her last employment at Washington County Memorial Hospital (now St. Vincent – Ascension Health). Steve served in the United States Air Force as an air refueler. After leaving the Air Force, he went on to have a fulfilling career as a truck driver and mechanic, retiring after 31 years at Peterbilt of Louisville.
Sherri's dedication to the Washington County community extends beyond her professional life. She has served as a valued board member of the Washington County Community Foundation and volunteers at the Washington County Food Bank. Additionally, Sherri is a blood donor with special blood flagged for infants and volunteers for Find a Grave, fulfilling photo requests from around the world for local grave sites pictures. Steve and Sherri, along with Sherri’s good friend, Teresa Brewer, also spend many hours spraying and cleaning old gravestones in cemeteries in our county. And in her spare time, Sherri also enjoys working on their family genealogy.
Steve and Sherri share a love for travel and have embarked on numerous adventures together. Beyond their accomplishments and affiliations, they want to be remembered as hardworking, honest individuals who cherish their family and friends. Their desire to "pay it forward" for the community led them to establish the Steve and Sherri Briscoe Touch Tomorrow Fund with the Washington County Community Foundation.
Their enduring commitment to family, community, and philanthropy will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
