Viola Lighty Program

Celebrating the Triumphant Life of

Viola Aaron Lighty

Born in Time: March 16, 1924 Born in Eternity: October 31, 2016

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5

An Exeptional Wife

MOTHER

Grandmother

Sister Aunt and

Faithful Servant of The Lord

Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”

I answered, “Sir, you know.”

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.

‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.

The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat.

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’

‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” Revelation 7:13-17 (NIV)

Celebration of Life The Viewing Friday, November 4, 2016 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM The Celebration Saturday, November 5, 2016 8:00 AM – 9:45 AM United Community Church of God 137-24 229th Street, Laurelton, NY 11413 Reverend Dr. Charles C. Collymore, Senior Pastor Interment Fair Lawn Memorial Cemetery & Mausoleum 22-21 Maple Avenue, Fair Lawn, New Jersey 07410

Order of Celebration

Reverend J-Anthony Dargan (nephew), Officiating Senior Pastor – Congregational Church of God, New York, NY

Music Prelude Processional...................................................................................................The Clergy Officials & The Family Prayer of Invocation............................................................................................... Reverend J-Anthony Dargan Opening Hymn...................................................................................................................... “Blessed Assurance” Scripture Readings Old Testament, Psalm 121.......................................................................... Reverend Charlene Aaron (niece)

First Lady - First Church of God, Newport News, VA New Testament, John 14:1-6.........................................................................Reverend Leon Aaron (nephew)

Senior Pastor - First Church of God, Newport News, VA Hymn............................................................................................................................... “It is Well With My Soul” Acknowledgments & Church Resolution................................................................... Deaconess Alicia Lewis The Life Reflection.......................................................................................................Deaconess Rosette Lewis Solo.............................................................................................................. Brother Luther Hudson, Jr. (cousin) Tributes (Two minutes, please) Reverend Dr. Arthur W. Davenport – First Church of God, Far Rockaway, NY Reverend Keevie Hooks Reverend Dr. James Dargan (cousin) Song Selection................................................................................ United Community Church of God Choir Message of Comfort & Hope................................................. Reverend Dr. Charles C. Collymore Final Viewing...............................................................................................................................................................

Hymn..................................................................................................................... “When We All Get to Heaven” Funeral Director’s Remarks & Directions.....................................................J. Foster Phillips Funeral Home Benediction.................................................................................................Reverend Dr. Charles C. Collymore Recessional.....................................................................................................The Clergy Officials & The Family

Remembering Viola Aaron Lighty Mrs. Viola Aaron Lighty was born in Darlington County, South Carolina to the proud parents of the late John and Roxie Aaron on Sunday, March 16, 1924. Viola was affectionately called, just simply ‘Vi’ by her family. She was the second of ten children.

Viola was a woman, who never had time for foolish and from a very early age knew the meaning of dedication, hardworking and family. She worked to uplift her family by working many long hard hours in scorching southern heat in the cotton fields and tobacco fields of South Carolina. She attended Ashbury High School in South Carolina. Thou she did not graduate, she earned something more valuable: her appreciation of life; the meaning of hard work; and an everlasting relationship with The Lord. So at a very early age, Viola accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior…. because, as you all know, Viola did not have anytime foolish!

Viola came to New York City in the winter of 1944, where she met and married Mr. Bernice Lighty.

They were married on Thursday, October 7, 1948. Five children were born from this union. Together they worked. Viola retired as a Room Attendant at Best Western after 33 years of service.

Viola, a tireless servant and lover of The Lord, for many years along with her family was an active member of the Congregational Church of God, under the leadership of her uncle, the late Reverend Dr. William Aaron, when it was located at 227 Lenox Avenue and its presenting location at 1889 Amsterdam Avenue. In 1956 Viola and her husband Bernice moved to Queens. There they continued to raise their family with strong religious upbringing at the Corona Church of God before finally joining her beloved church, The United Community Church of God in Laurelton. Despite her illness and limitation, Viola remained an active supporter and tithe giver of her church to the very end.

On Saturday, October 30, God’s faithful servant saw the finish line in view and her time of departure quickly coming; despite a weaken body, Viola strengthened herself in The Lord and with a very clear mind, she said her last goodbyes and gave her blessings with a smile and a loving voice. She proclaimed with confidence that she left nothing unfinished, SHE HAS DONE ALL SHE KNEW TO BE READY FOR THE LORD. On that very night, her son, Bernard readied her for a night of rest and Viola smiled her last smile. She entered into a welcome deep peaceful sleep and on Monday, October 31, 2016 at home with family, Viola Aaron Lighty received the long waited invitation of The Lord to come home after a protracted illness.

Over the many years of service to her Lord and Savior, Viola held many positions and titles: President of the Usher Board, Deaconess and Trustee, just to name a few.

Viola Aaron Lighty leaves to mourn her passing and to celebrate her life: her sons, Bernard Lighty and wife Marlene, Michael Lighty and wife Rita, Lawrence (Larry) L. Lighty and wife Tina; and Frederick (Freddie) Lighty, Jr., a grandson whom Bernice and Viola raised with the same love and care as their own; Freddie’s wife LaToya; 2 sisters, Josephine Aaron-Jackson and Johnnie Mae Aaron-Morsell; brother, Joseph Aaron (wife, Estell); 11 grandchildren, 16 great grands and 2 great-great child, along with a host of many relatives, church family and friends.

Preceding her in death: her husband, Bernice Lighty; son, Frederick Lighty, Sr.; daughter, Shirley Elizabeth Lighty Williams, sisters, Nonie Mae Dove and Albertha Robinson; brothers, Robert Aaron, Cornell Aaron, Charles Lee Aaron, and Alonzo Aaron.

To God Be the Glory, His daughter is finally home...

“The Lord will be calling on you also” – Sister Viola Aaron Lighty

Your Undying Love by Miranda James

You will forever be with us and show us your undying love.

Unforgotten angel from above… Angel with graceful wings has taught us as a family many things. She is known well as mother, grandma, great grandma, friend.

Please know this isn’t goodbye or see you soon. She will forever be in your hearts and so much more. For you will see her beautiful face again, for our loving God tells us you will soon be hand and hand, this is not the end.

Loving submitted by the Grandchildren

“Grandma, I love you

and will make sure to raise Chance right and work on being the Man you always seen me as! You were Truly a Class Act. I’ll miss our long conversations of old times with you and Grandpa and also those words of wisdom to always keep my head up n my spirit’s high.

You were right ma! Rest Now! I know you’re happy!

Grandson Bernard Lighty, Jr.

Acknowledgements

The Family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for all your kind and encouraging prayers, words and thoughts.

Special thanks to her home attendant, Bernadette, for genuine love and care.

Thank you and may God bless you all.

Professional Services Entrusted to:

J. Foster Phillips Funeral Home, Inc. 179-24 Linden Blvd., Jamaica, New York 11434 Phone: (718) 526-5656 Website: www.jfosterphillips.com mail: info@jfosterphillips.com

Programs & Pryaer Cards Designed & Printed By:

MLDCommunications “The Very Best in Desktop Publishing” Reverend J-Anthony & Madelin Dargan, 62 Maple Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042 Phone: 973-783-6198 | Email: mldcomm@aol.com