Darla Jean Lightsey

Her Hobbies/ Interests/Organizations include; Sunday School Teacher and she was a born-again Christian. Holding fast to her faith kept her the stronghold of her family even through the toughest of times. Cooking, crafting, antique collecting, gardening, supporting her grandchildren in their sports and athletic programs, shopping. She supported the Army military wives by leading FSG (Family support Group) during Operation Desert Storm. She served as Mayor of Leavenworth Kansas in 1994-1995. She was the proud winner of Yard of the month at Ft Leavenworth Kansas for 25 months in a row. She was awarded the Yellow Rose of Texas in May 2003, by Governor Rick Perry for her outstanding service to her nation and Community. She was given the Army Wife achievement award for her dedicated service and unfailing support of her soldier. She strongly supported the Wounded warriors project, as well as numerous other nonprofit organizations. Her greatest achievement of all was her Children and Grandchildren. They were her pride and joy. She was their biggest fan and loudest voice in the stands.

Left to cherish Darla's memories are her husband of 37 years, Johnnie Lightsey; Children; Christopher and Michele Lightsey, Lucyann Lightsey and Jami Brooks; Brother, Charles Mathies, Sister, Betty (Junie) Loop; Niece, Angela Burton and Kelly Johnson; Nephews, Samuel Carnes, Kevin Wiley, Jimmy Wiley, Brian Loop, and Mark Mathies; Grandchildren; VanReddon Lightsey, Mason Metcalf, Gabriel Lightsey, Cheyenne Metcalf, Jordyn Eldridge, Cynthia Brooks as well as a host of other family members and a number of her children’s friends who became her children as well.

Darla was preceded in death by her Mother and Father, Betty Mathies and Jack Mathies; Sister, DeeDee and Brother in Law, Sam Carnes; Sister, Linda Wiley and Sister in Law, Linda Mathies.

A Visitation for Darla Jean Lightsey is scheduled for October 2, 2023 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home from 6:00PM - 8:00PM. Funeral Services will be held on October 3, 2023 at Tabernacle Baptist Church at 9:30 AM followed by a Committal Service at The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 11:00 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowersfuneralhome.com for the Lightsey family.

Donations can be made at the following: gofundme.com/rc5ehz-funeral-expenses-for-darla or directly to Johnnie Lightsey