Nelda J. .Brightwell, nee Leatherman, 85, of Cahokia, Illinois, born January 5, 1935 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Friday, April 24, 2020, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, Missouri.

Mrs. Brightwell was retired from Unidynamics in St. Louis, MO. She was a member of the former Abundant Love Fellowship Church in Cahokia, IL. She enjoyed her ladies prayer chain and ministry. However, most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Russell Brightwell; her parents, Melvin and Alma A., nee Thomlin, Leatherman; and a sister, Edith Spencer.

Surviving are her children ,Russell Keith (Chris) Brightwell of Richfield, UT and Patti (Ron) Flipiak of Columbia, IL; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Jenette, Autumn, Benjamin, Nicholas, Nathan (Stacey), and Tracy (Chris); 11 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren. She was also a dear sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Condolences may be expressed online at braunfh.com

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois, A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 12:00 noon at the funeral home with Reverend Tim Ritzel officiating. A burial of her cremated remains will follow at Mount Lebanon Cemetery,St. Louis, Missouri.