Elissa Brown Warpness, known to all as Lisa, passed away on February 18, 2025 due to complications from cancer.
She was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, IL. She graduated in 1976 from Unity Catholic High School in Chicago before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from DePaul University in 1980. Lisa's commitment to higher education led her to the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where she continued her studies.
Lisa began her distinguished career in public service as a student intern with the Federal Government at the Securities and Exchange Commission. In 1983, she became a DEA Special Agent after successfully completing Basic Agent Training Class 18. Her first assignment was in Detroit, where she quickly made a name for herself as a skilled and dedicated undercover agent, known for her sharp wit and unwavering determination.
In 1987, Lisa transferred to the U.S. Customs Service (USCS), where she held several important positions, including Resident Agent in Charge of Sacramento, Assistant Director of Financial Investigations, and Director of Smuggling Investigations at the USCS Headquarters. In 2000, she returned to Chicago as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of USCS.
In March 2003, after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Lisa was chosen to lead the merger of the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service, a pivotal moment in the formation of the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division. She served as SAC of HSI in Chicago until her retirement in 2006.
Following her retirement, Lisa and her family moved to the St. Augustine, FL area, where she embraced a new chapter of her life. Known in her neighborhood as the "Mayor of the Cul-de-Sac," Lisa had a gift for making people feel welcome. She hosted neighborhood parties and even organized a wedding, always at the heart of the community she loved so much.
Lisa's passion for helping others remained strong in her retirement. She dedicated countless hours to learning Braille and converting children's books into Braille for the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. Her selflessness and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone she met.
In December 2024, Lisa was diagnosed with cancer. She faced this challenge with the same strength and determination she exhibited throughout her life. After a courageous two-month battle, Lisa passed away on February 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband, Mark Warpness, their children, Sydney and Gavin Warpness, their beautiful granddaughter, Nala Elissa Robinson, and a small circle of close friends.
Lisa's legacy of service, compassion, and humor will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
Lisa did not want a funeral service. Lisa agreed to a life celebration party. If interested in attending Lisa Brown's party please text:
- Lindsay (630-508-5836)
- Toshua (817-228-8866)
- Kim (219-741-2470)
Condolences can be sent to Mark Warpness at 502 Montserrat Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32092.
