Meagan Breanne Lissner's Obituary
“Though she be but little, she is fierce!”
After battling health complications, Meagan Breanne Lissner of Memphis, TN passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at Baptist Memorial Hospital East, the same hospital where she was born 38 years, 2 months, 16 days, 8 hours, and 49 minutes prior. Her book of daily devotionals was found at her bedside, with the coinciding date of her death the only page turned at the corner.
Standing at barely five feet tall, Meagan never kept her size from living loud. She was constantly moving, cleaning, talking, laughing, and finding fun in every situation. Her small frame poured a tremendous amount of love into each person and animal she encountered. Countless friends and family found their pets as a result of Meagan bringing home stray animals to save. She was fiercely protective of her people, but regularly went out of her way to help everyone, including strangers. She had a baseline of etiquette and morals she expected others to follow, and she did not hesitate to let you know if you failed to meet her expectations, most likely in a voice as loud as she lived, and while wearing heels and lipstick.
Meagan was an unstoppable force who did not shy away from pursuing unexpected passions. She launched a career in the tire industry, a market typically dominated by burly men, and became an extremely successful account manager. She earned respect and admiration in her field through her strong work ethic, high performance, and big personality, often intimidating peers as her petite figure emerged from her giant Chevy truck (her dream car).
Her entire life, Meagan was an avid dancer. She explored various types of dance as a child but loved ballet best. She was the only dancer in her elementary program that graduated to pointe shoes and was asked to give a solo performance. When continuing private lessons was not feasible, Meagan found other outlets for dancing and it became a life-long passion of hers. Several years after receiving her Associates in Business Administration and Management from Southwest Community College, Meagan changed her academic focus and completed her Bachelors at the University of Memphis by creating a degree that combined studio dance and business management. She also learned from and performed with Memphis Raqs Bellydance for many years. Some of her family’s fondest memories include celebrating Meagan’s performances well into the night.
Meagan had a natural green thumb. In her last few years she worked as a landscaper and almost all her spare time was spent outside with her plants. The outdoors was her sanctuary; she used her time in the garden for peace, reflection, and growth. She is leaving us a gift of beauty in the many gardens she created before her passing.
Meagan is survived by her mother, Lisa Lissner, father, Kevin Lissner, maternal grandmother, Marge Calvert, sisters, Holly Lissner (Dan Knaus) and Caitlin Lissner (Ben Rodgers), brothers, Sean Lissner and Ryan Lissner, niece, Adelai Robison, nephews, Franklin and Curtis Knaus, and cats, Salem and Gizmo, all of Memphis, and an extensive crew of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Dennis Calvert, William Cathey, and Aileen Cathey; paternal grandparents, Bobbie and Marvin Lissner; her beloved dog, Jack; and the many cats and critters she rescued along the way.
Meagan was cremated on August 16 with the presence of family. Visitation will be held at 12:30 pm, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm on August 25, 2022 at the Lord’s Chapel in Elmwood Cemetery. Services will be immediately followed by a gathering of loved ones in the event room at High Cotton Brewery. To celebrate Meagan’s essence, her family asks that you wear something that embodies her busy, feminine, and colorful spirit. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
To honor Meagan’s life and compassionate heart, her family is asking for donations to Street Dog Foundation or Mewtopia Cat Rescue.
What’s your fondest memory of Meagan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Meagan?
Share a story where Meagan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Meagan you’ll never forget.
How did Meagan make you smile?

