Mr. Isaac Vernon Brey
April 28, 1975 ~ April 17, 2026
Born in:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Resided in:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Isaac Vernon-Brey, aged 50, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026. He was born on April 28, 1975, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Isaac is survived by his mother, Valerie Vernon; father, James Brey; brother, Levi Ikida Brey, and his beloved pet LaRonda.
His notable interests and activities included swimming, Little League baseball, volleyball, chess, sheepshead, cribbage and video games. He was a teacher and coach at Riverside University High School.
Memorial donations may be made in Isaac’s name to Beckum-Stapleton Little League. A celebration of his life will take place on May 16, 2026, at Riverside University High School, 1615 E Locust St. at 3 pm.
Services
Celebration of Life: May 16, 2026 3:00 am
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I think of him and miss him every day.
the mom
To God Be the Glory
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Isaac was my nephew and my buddy. I baby sat for him as a child. And then as adults we lost touch for many years. We visited, at family functions and holidays. A brief “hello” and “what are you doing these days?” The encounters were always genuine and sincere but quite brief. A hug and kiss and we parted ways until the next family function, usually at Aunt Linda’s and Uncle Alan with the kids on Thanksgiving.
As years passed, and we grew older, more grounded in maturity and in our careers; Isaac and I reconnected – this time on a more personal and intimate level. He, struggling with his health and I, with mine. We became war story buddies. “You’ll always have a friend in me,” he’d say. “Call me anytime.”
Our conversations became more intellectual. With a love for philosophy and a knack for constructive debates, we pondered and grappled in various debates identifying biases and fallacious premises and conclusions. He, his uncle Kent and I would all chime in; all of us as somewhat self-proclaimed masters in logic. And we talked and talked.
Our exchange of war stories regarding our health lasted for only 4 years; intensifying as we intermittently received news of bumps in the road .“Hey, how ya doing? He’d say. Or “keep fighting.” or “I was discharged from the hospital today and back home. Tag you’re it.”
When I received the news that Isaac had suddenly passed. I was angry. I was angry because he fought so hard to survive with a positive outlook. I was angry because with every bump in the road it revealed a new strength and determination that until it was challenged, he didn’t know he had. I was angry because he had plans, plans of a future and to conquer each bump in the road.
My anger then turned to sadness. Admittedly, for my own selfish reasons. We were supposed to conquer our journeys together. Each text and each video call was confirmation that the fight was not over. I was sad because he was my buddy, my war companion. And we were supposed to prevail, grow old and reminisce. We were supposed to rise above it all and then laugh about it.
I will miss you.
My sadness soon turned to joy. Because I believe, Isaac is “DANCING WITH JESUS.” He’s “DANCING WITH JESUS.” So, I can be angry. I can be sad. And I can also rejoice.
Lastly, I went to church the Sunday after Isaac passed. The sermon was on the power of positive thinking.
And so:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
So, let’s take away from this celebration of Isaac’s life the message that just as Isaac so often had a positive outlook on life, we too can keep within our hearts a positive outlook despite our grief, sadness, anger or joy and remember that Isaac is DANCING WITH JESUS.
To God Be the Glory.
Gena Vernon
P. S. Gena read this at the repast, but not recorded in front of a camera.
If a star fell each time I thought of Isaac, the sky would be empty.
Valerie
the mom
My cousin Isaac was so kind and loving to me every time our paths crossed. I am very sad with the realization that I won’t be encountering him again on earth, however, I’m comforted in knowing that my sweet cousin is with God as he truly was an angel. I loved him very much. My heart goes out to our entire family for this great loss.
Cousin Katrina ❤️
-China Clayton
I will miss my sweet nephew, Isaac, more than words can hold. I babysat for him when he was just a toddler, I was Auntie Rita to him. He was gentle, kind, and endlessly loving. He watched over his little brother, Levi, with a heart far older than his years. Isaac loved with his whole being. I take comfort knowing he is now wrapped in the arms of Grandma Pauline and Grandpa Kenny, whom he adored so deeply. To my dear sister, Valerie — I am holding you close as you face a grief no parent should ever have to know. Isaac was so proud of you and Jim. He felt your unconditional love every day, and that love shaped him into someone who moved through the world with compassion and tenderness. You gave the world Isaac, and he gave the world his gifts as a teacher, as a mentor, and as a soul who cared fiercely for his students. I pray the Holy Spirit surrounds you with comfort as you navigate this profound loss. I love you, and I will always be here steady, present, and by your side.
With Love,
Cousin Devron
Going up yonder, to be with my Lord. So long Cousin Issac. I loved your sweet spirit. My condolences, thoughts & prayers, especially to your Ma, Pa, Brother and Doggie. Shalom
mr isaac was my iep teacher he will be truly missed
He was quick-witted, easy to laugh with, and I always enjoyed our deep conversations about the world. No matter how serious or dire those conversations got, he always had a chuckle, a smile, and hope for a brighter future… And he didn’t just dream about making the world better. He dedicated his life and work to doing it.
Miss you brother.