Leslie D. Taylor Neilson, age 67, of Alton, passed away Monday, November 12, 2018, at Christian Hospital North East.
She was born May 13, 1951, in Alton, the daughter of Charles and Shirley (O’Donnell) Taylor. She married Phillip Neilson in 1989 at College Ave. Presbyterian Church, and he survives.
Leslie was an active member of Abundant Life Church. She was passionate about her faith in God, and loved to sing in church. Leslie loved to travel and shop with her friends, and enjoyed her mission trip to Prague. Her greatest joys were spending time with her family, her friends, and enjoying the freedom of being on the motorcycle with her husband and friends.
In addition to her husband, Phillip "Larry"; she is survived by two children and their spouses, Charlia "Carly" and Mark Reader of Alton, and Blake and Tiffiny Gray of Cottage Hills; a mother-in-law, Clara Pierceall of Bethalto; two sisters and two brothers-in-law, Amy Cramner and Kevin Cramner of Brighton, and Julie and David Meyer of S. Roxana; four grandchildren, Kaytlin, Cameron, Abbigail, and Annabelle Gray; and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 15, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 16, 2018, at 10:00 am at Abundant Life Church in Alton with Pastor Roy Rhodes officiating.
Burial will take place in Union Cemetery in Greenfield.
Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements.
Susan J. Mathus (Seibel)
Oh My! I can't believe Leslie passed away. Leslie and I were good friends in high school. We shared many experiences together. Years after graduation she let my daughter and I move in with her when we needed a place to stay temporarily. She was a true friend! She was so kind and generous. You will be missed by many Sweet Leslie.
Ann E. Stifel (Romadka)
I have such great memories of concert choir with Leslie. Our alto voices blended well, so we were often paired in group chorus competitions. We had a lot of fun together riding around in her parents' big Grand Prix. We met in the chorus room and stayed friends all 3 years at AHS. Though time and distance caused us to drift apart, I will always remember her with a smile. My sympathies to her family and nearby friends.
Rebecca E. (Becky) Bierbaum
Shocked - and so very sorry - to learn of Leslie's passing. Many of us have had her in our minds, hearts, and prayers. Sending my deepest sympathy to her family and closest friends. Losing someone so special leaves a void - but her love, laughter, and memories will live forever in the hearts of all who loved her - whose lives she touched throughout her life. Please know that her spirit and love will live on eternally - and will always be near those she loves. Leslie is once again whole and pain-free - surrounded by light, love, and glory in a heavenly realm. After completing her mission in this earthly life - Leslie has been welcomed home - with God's words: "Well done, My good and faithful servant."
Sorry to have missed Leslie's visitation earlier this evening and am sending my regrets for being unable to attend her funeral tomorrow morning.
Anita J. McCormick
So sorry to hear of Leslie passing. We were good friends in high school, enjoying time together in class and out of class. I remember her as a people person, that laughed easily, and enjoyed life. She will be missed by many. My sympathies to her family.
Beverly Keltie (Creiglow)
I met Leslie in grade school when she moved up the street from me. We played together a lot, slept over at each others house, too. After I graduated and moved to Brazil, the last time we met was in Alabama in 2014 to celebrate my mom's 90th birthday. Wonderful person. We will see each other again one day, I know.