Brenda Nelson

Brenda K. Nelson, of Marion Il, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.

Brenda was born on April 9, 1949, in Marion, Illinois to Ernest & Ruth Emery. She grew up in Marion Illinois before marrying the love of her life, Udell Nelson.

Mom was the heart of our family — a devoted, loving, and endlessly caring person whose warmth touched everyone she met to match her fiery red hair. She found joy in playing dominoes with her Boys, gardening, baking her famous cookies but nothing could beat her homemade pizzas, reading and most of all spending time with all her grandkids. Her quick witted, fierce protector, unwavering faith and refreshing honesty — always telling it like it was even when you didn’t want to hear, straight from the heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband Udell Nelson, parents Ernest & Ruth, son Monee Lamont Nelson and siblings Loretta”Ninny”Emery Shirley Heltsley.

She is survived by her loving children. Four sons, Robert Emery, Lance Nelson and wife Kinesha Nelson of GA, Amos Nelson, Alfonso Nelson and Fiancé Lacie Swanner as well as her cherished grandbabies, Mhalik Allen-Nelson, Leia Allen-Nelson, Jordynn Allen-Nelson, Ashleigh Killian, Silas Nelson. Her sisters Kathy Sparks and Lela Sandvik and her beloved nieces Daniele Jackson, Judy Keller and Tonya Preslar, nephews, cousins, and more than best friends, true sisters in every way Vivian Carter & Barbara Walls.

Arrangements were entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Mom’s love was the steady light in our lives; though she is no longer with us, that light continues to shine in our hearts forever. We’ll miss her every day, but we take comfort knowing she is at peace.

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