Obituary of Brianna Lee Brightman

Brianna Lee Brightman, the beloved daughter of Benjamin Ryan and Joanna Lee (Payne) Brightman, entered this world on April 18, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nevada. A cherished sister to Simone, Brianna brought warmth, creativity, and joy into the lives of her family and friends.

Brianna's journey led her through Southeast Polk High School, where she embraced life with a spirit full of zest and enthusiasm. She was a free spirit, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life, from playing soccer to rollerblading and skateboarding. Her creativity knew no bounds, and she immersed herself in various forms of art, leaving behind a trail of beautiful expressions of her imaginative mind.

An avid lover of companionship, Brianna cherished her time with friends, family, and her loyal dogs, Bo and Faith. Her infectious laughter and radiant smile illuminated the lives of those fortunate enough to share in her company. Brianna was a member of 4-H and Grace Church, where her faith provided her with strength and solace.

On Friday, December 1, 2023, at the age of sixteen, Brianna departed this world, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Bernie Payne, and leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Brianna's memory lives on in the hearts of those who loved her dearly including her parents, Ben and Joanna Brightman, her sister, Simone, her maternal grandmother, Sandy Payne, and her paternal grandparents, Bill and Cherie Brightman. She will be dearly missed by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a multitude of friends who were touched by her kindness and genuine spirit.

A celebration of Brianna's life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Grace Church in Des Moines, IA 4200 E 25th St.  Des Moines, Iowa 50317. Friends are invited to pay their respects and share memories during the visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 11th, at the church. For those unable to attend in person, a Facebook Live broadcast will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12th, on the Pence Reese Funeral Home and Cremation Services Facebook page.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be designated to the Brianna Brightman Memorial Fund.