Rebecca (Becky) Lynn Brightwell

Rebecca (Becky) Lynn Brightwell passed away peacefully and went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 9th, 2023.

A loving sister, aunt, and friend, her death leaves a void in the lives of many.  She was born in Athens, Georgia, to Thomas Jackson Brightwell Jr. and Juanita George Brightwell. Becky was a member of the First Baptist Church of Orlando, Florida.

Rebecca grew up with a strong sense of adventure, always on the hunt for new experiences. Upon graduation from the University of Georgia, she moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where she worked for Sea Pines Plantations in the marketing department to promote golf and tennis tournaments. Soon after, she was ready for her next adventure, and moved to Orlando, Florida, to work for Walt Disney World. She began her years at Disney in the marketing department and worked her way up to the role of Financial Director for Magic Kingdom Attractions. She decided it was time to move back to Georgia when her family was impacted by tragedy and accepted  a position at the University of Georgia, where she served as a Public Service Faculty Member, as well as Associate Director of the Institute on Human Development and Disability. In these roles, she developed a passion for assistive technology - the advancements used to help people with disabilities lead more productive and independent lives. Rebecca trained over 500 therapists in a series of popular workshops on how to fabricate low-cost assistive technology solutions. She also headed multiple federal grants that assist agricultural workers with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Many of her projects focused on military veterans working in agriculture. She truly loved her work.

Rebecca enjoyed traveling internationally, for both business and personal trips, and Italy was her preferred destination. However, her most treasured trips were with her beloved niece, Ella, with whom she shared a special bond. Every year they visited Saint Simons Island, Georgia, where they loved shopping, basking in the sun, and biking around the island.

As someone who wished to make the most of life, and help others do the same, Rebecca will be remembered for her dauntless spirit, her positivity, her generosity, her courage, and her persistence.

Rebecca is survived by her brother, Thomas Jackson (Jay) Brightwell, III and his wife, Sarah Nanette Starr Brightwell; niece, Sarah Elizabeth (Ella) Brightwell Snipes and husband, Daniel Snipes; and great-niece Callista (Callie) Elizabeth Snipes. She is also survived by her cousins Layne, Laura, and Sanders Brightwell. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Jackson Brightwell Jr.; mother, Juanita George Brightwell; and infant nephew, Jackson Thomas Brightwell.

She was laid to rest in the Sunset Cemetery in Maxeys, Georgia. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Rebecca’s memory may make a donation to The American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org) or Campus Cats (http://catzip.org).

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.