Brianna Joy Nelson came into this world prematurely on August 21, 1995 in Grand Rapids, and she left prematurely on July 18, 2003 from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to be with her Savior Jesus Christ.

Brianna's life was one of many small triumphs. She amazed everyone she met from the day she was born, so tiny and frail, by becoming the beautiful, determined, intelligent little girl she was when she went to be with her Lord.

Brianna touched the heart of everyone she met and immediately one could sense how special she was. Brianna saw the world through her hands, playing with her box of rocks and splashing in water; through her ears by greeting people from recognizing their voices; and through her little nose, smelling the goodies she helped her grandmas bake.

Brianna Joy did not have the use of eyes while on earth. And as uncomprehendable as the loss of her is to family and friends, there is comfort in knowing that Brianna's first sight will be of Heaven, the glorious home where she has gone to continue being an angel.

Brianna will be sadly missed by her mom and dad, Carl and Danelle (Hilbrand) Nelson and her little sister Abigail; grandparents: Don and Joan (Stray) Hilbrand and Randy and Bridjet (VanLoon) Nelson; Great-grandparents: Carl and Phyllis Nelson, Carl and Joy VanLoon and Pat Stray; uncles and aunt: Paul and Stacy (Hilbrand) Evans and Chase, Justin and Jarret Nelson; great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins and friends who will always love her and keep her in their hearts.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 22 at Grant Reformed Church from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The family will attend a private funeral service to remember Brianna Joy and then a memorial and celebration of Brianna's life will be held on August 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Grant Reformed Church to honor this wonderful little girl. Memorials may be given to Grant Primary Center or the Grand Rapids Area Parents of Visually Impaired Kids. Envelopes are available at the services or from McKinley Funeral Home, Grant.