Wilma Josephine (Lynn) Lightsey

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Mrs. Wilma Josephine (Lynn) Lightsey, age 88, of Pittsboro, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at UNC Hillsborough in Hillsborough, NC. 

Obituary

Wilma Josephine Lightsey, age 88, of Pittsboro, North Carolina, entered the world on December 19, 1936, in Pittsboro, NC, and entered eternal rest on December 14, 2025, surrounded by God’s love and promise of everlasting life.

Wilma was preceded in death by her father, John Lynn; her mother, Fannie Lee Lynn; her brothers, Benjamin Wesley Lynn and John Paul Lynn; her sister, Bertha Bruton; and her beloved husband, Andrew Lightsey Jr. Wilma and Andrew met while student teaching in Siler City, North Carolina, from their union were born two children, Andrew Lightsey III and Kimberly Lightsey.

She was a proud graduate of Horton High School, Class of 1955. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1959, where she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. While at NC A&T, she was also honored as an ROTC Queen, a distinction she carried with pride. She furthered her education by earning a certificate in Elementary Education from North Carolina Central University, preparing her for a rewarding career in teaching.

She devoted her professional life to education, finding great joy in teaching fifth grade at Horton Middle School. Wilma loved watching her students grow to become accomplished adults; many held a special place in her heart.

A woman of deep faith, Wilma was a faithful member of Mitchell Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. She generously volunteered her time in service to the Lord and her church family. She traveled with the young adult choir, served as arts and crafts facilitator during Vacation Bible School, and served on numerous scholarship committees for Mitchell Chapel. She received numerous accolades for her dedicated service, including the Mitchell Chapel Extension and Community Association Club Member of the Year in 2009, and the Distinguished Lay Person Award from Mitchell Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church on October 20, 2019.

Wilma also loved puzzles, collecting photos, quiet reflection, and most of all spending cherished time with her family. She shared a particularly special bond with her grandson Drew, with whom she spent summers together until he graduated from college, baking pies and cakes side by side, creating memories that will be treasured forever. She especially enjoyed watching “Romper Room” with her nephew, Pierre Reaves, whom she affectionately called her “Doobie,” and helping her nephew, Kevin Lynn, with his homework assignments. She was known for her infectious spirit and favorite sayings, including: “You can't beat that with a big ol' stick,” “Alright, alright, alright,” “Merciful, Kind Father,” “All is good in the neighborhood,” and “Keep on, keeping on.”

Wilma leaves to cherish her memory her son, Andrew Lightsey III and his wife, Pamela Lightsey; her daughter, Kimberly Lightsey; her grandson, Andrew Lightsey IV and his wife, Emily Lightsey; her great-granddaughters, Eleanor Nicole Lightsey and Eliza Josephine Lightsey; her sisters, Mary Reaves and Mamie Lynn; her sisters-in-law, Doretha Leak and Paulette Poe; brother-in-law, Walter Reaves; Willie Poe; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews too numerous to name. Mamie Lynn lived with Wilma for over 30 years and was not only her sister but her best friend. She is also survived by a host of other relatives and bonus children, friends, former students, and loved ones.

Wilma will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, dedicated educator, and faithful servant of God. Her life was a testimony of grace, service, and unwavering faith, and her legacy will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.

Zeta Phi Beta Burial Ceremony
Thursday, December 18, 2025
4pm
Knotts Funeral Home, Pittsboro, NC 

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