Stephen Michael Brookshaw
Mr. Stephen Michael Brookshaw, beloved husband and father, passed away on February 10, 2026, in Memphis, TN. He was born on March 5th, 1941, in Kankakee, Ilinois to the late Wiliam and Mercedes DeVan Brookshaw. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Neddy Rawls Brookshaw. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Charmaine E. Woods, Elen Ann Gholston, Lawrence T. Brookshaw, Dr. Michael A. Brookshaw, and Jeffrey Brookshaw.
Stephen was raised and educated in the Catholic schools and attended St. Rose Academy until he entered high school. He graduated from Kankakee High School in 1959 and immediately enlisted into the United States Navy where he served as a disbursement clerk. In 1964, he moved to Memphis and married the love of his life, Neddy Rawls Brookshaw from Bolivar, TN. He spent his early career working in sales for Ralston Purina, Humko, and Gallo Wines. He then worked for McLean Trucking Company as a freight dispatch supervisor. Stephen spent the remainder of his career employed with the Memphis City Schools. He dedicated over 20 years serving as a Grounds Foreman Supervisor overseeing employees across the district until his retirement in 2003.
Stephen attended Christian Brothers University and Memphis State University where he was active in the Black Student Union. He was also a member of the fraternal organization, Shriners #54.
Stephen was Catholic and a communicant of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. He deeply loved Neddy, his daughter, Stephanie and son, Stephen, Jr. The family is forever blessed by the tremendous support provided by Stephen’s brother, William Brookshaw IV, who visited every Friday and helped Stephanie with his brother’s care.
Stephen will be remembered by family and friends as strong, determined, and someone who always spoke his mind. He was charismatic, had a quick wit, and embraced a sense of humor. Stephen was a man of many gifts and talents. He was an excellent cook and loved to fish and grow vegetables in his garden.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Stephanie Margaret Brookshaw, son, Stephen Brookshaw, Jr., brother, William Brookshaw IV (Bonnie), sisters, Mary Virginia Brookshaw, Thelma F. Brookshaw, Judy M. Dear, Carolyn O. Moore and three grandchildren, Stephen ll, Jeremiah, and Alexander Brookshaw.
A private funeral mass will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4851 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN. Burial will follow at Rosenwald Cemetery, Anderson Avenue, Brownsville, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church or charity of the donor’s choice.
