Melva Jane Lightsey

Melva Jane Lightsey, age 86 of Jonesboro, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, in Gatesville, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Jonesboro Baptist Church, with Rev. Matt Dossey officiating.   Interment will follow at Jonesboro Cemetery.  The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, at Scott’s Funeral Home.

Melva Jane Lightsey was born on April 16, 1937, in Pidcoke, Texas, to the late George Truett and Susie Quesenberry Lightsey. Melva grew up in Jonesboro, Texas and graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1955. Melva attended Baylor University, Tarleton State University, and graduated from The University of Texas, with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959. After completing her degree, she taught school in Gatesville, New Braunfels, Lubbock and Jonesboro. In 1968, Melva enrolled in Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth and graduated with a Master of Religious Education in 1970. From 1970-1973, Melva was a missionary for the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention in Iowa, Virginia, and Georgia. From 1973-1977, Melva was a school principal and teacher for the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home. Melva then returned home to Jonesboro and taught at Jonesboro School until retiring in 2001. 

 Melva loved her Lord, her family, and the Jonesboro community. She loved teaching in Jonesboro schools and cherished her church and church family at Jonesboro Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years.

 Melva is preceded in death by her brother, Joe Truett Lightsey; sister-in-law, Flo Lightsey; and brother-in-law, Nathaniel (Sonny) Foote, Jr.

 She is survived by her sisters, Paula Foote and Sue Lightsey; nephews, Than Foote and wife, Traci; Joe Foote and wife, Crystal; great-nieces, Hallie Foote, and Bracy Foote; and great-nephews, Wade Foote, Truett Foote, and Pate Foote.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Melva Jane Lightsey Outstanding Scholar Award, the Jonesboro Cemetery Association or the charity of your choice.   

 Jonesboro Independent School District, P.O. Box 125, Jonesboro, TX 76538

Jonesboro Cemetery Association, 2415 CR 194, Jonesboro, TX 76538