Christeen Stark Lightsy

Christeen Stark Lightsy, age 92, passed away Monday, May 16, 2016 at Norton Women & Kosair Hospital in Louisville KY. She was born October 28, 1923 to the union of the late Hugh and Cora Elizabeth Stark in Allen County Kentucky. She was the ninth of ten children. Her mother passed when Christeen was approximately two years old and her father passed before she completed elementary school. Reared by her older siblings, she embraced a love for family which guided her focus and commitments throughout her life.

Christeen received her early education in the Allen County School System. She later moved to Louisville, Kentucky with her sisters, Amanda and Elizabeth. It was during this period, she professed a hope and faith in JESUS CHRIST and was baptized at Greater Salem Baptist Church. She and her sister Elizabeth attended and graduated from Central Colored High School. While attending Central, she met and on October 15, 1943 married her soul-mate, Roosevelt Lightsy, Sr. To this union were born four children: the late Ronald Wesley (Cameron), the late Deborah Jean, Roosevelt Jr. (DeAcquanita), and John Sheldon (Mona). Though primarily serving as a “stay at home mom,” she had significant employment experience at Dwight Thomas Boutique and with the Louisville Circuit Court Clerk’s Office from which she retired on October 28, 1988.

As an active participant in the local Civil Rights Movement, she rejoiced greatly at the culmination of her advocacy by being present at the signing into law of the Kentucky Civil Rights Act in 1967 by Governor Edward Breathitt. Christeen additionally served as a member of many service organizations such as The Louisville Democratic Women’s Club, The N.A.A.C.P., The National Council of Negro Women, and The Derbytowners Toastmistress Club.

Christeen was most proud of her Christian Faith and Service. She maintained her membership at Greater Salem Baptist Church until the family moved to the Montclair Subdivision where she affiliated with Watson Memorial Baptist Church. Finally, in support of her son who was young in the Ministry at the time, she affiliated with Community Missionary Baptist Church. There, she continued serving as a faithful member and willing worker on the Usher Board, Nurses Guild, and wherever needed, until her health declined.

Christeen was preceded in death by all of her birth family; her husband, Roosevelt Lightsy Sr; her firstborn son, Ronald W.; her sole daughter, Deborah; and her daughter-in-law, the late Mary Mason Lightsy.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Roosevelt Jr. and J. Sheldon; three daughters-in-law; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; nephews, nieces, cousins, and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will take place at Community Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, May 22, 2016 from 4-6 pm with Celebration of Life Services immediately following at 6:00pm. Burial will be Monday at the VA National Cemetery in Lebanon KY. Mason & Sons Funeral Home, Madisonville KY, is in charge of arrangements. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Louisville Chapter of the NAACP. Condolences may be left at www.masonbrothersfs.com