Pamela Cecile Lightsy

Muskogee, Oklahoma, 1947 – S. Aaron Bell and De Lores Orton Bell, married for 20 months, moved from Dee’s hometown of Kokomo, Indiana to Aaron’s family home in Muskogee, Oklahoma. On October 4th, 1947, Dee gave birth to their first child, a beautiful baby girl, Pamela Cecile Bell. Aaron’s career as a professional jazz musician brought his new family to New York where they established their home and raised their children in Mt. Vernon, NY. Growing up, Pam was big sister to Aaron (Butch) and Robin. Pam was a very bright, out-going, popular teenager with natural leadership skills. Much like her mother, Pam Was an active community volunteer. While president of the Mt. Vernon NAACP Youth Council, she led a group of local teens down south on a Freedom Bus during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Upon her graduation from St. Gabriel’s High School for Girls, Pam earned her Bachelor’s degree from her father’s Alma Mater, Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Upon returning home during a semester break, she met Charles J. Lightsy, the older son of family friends, Adrian and Muriel Lightsy, who lived a block away. It was not long after that first meeting when Charles and Pam knew they were in love, and on August 24, 1969, they wed. From this nearly 50 year union two sons were born: Spencer Wilson Lightsy and Trevor Cordell Lightsy; and today they have five adoring grandchildren. She was a practicing therapist when she earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University, and was working towards earning her doctorate degree from Hunter College (all but her dissertation was completed!) During her career, she worked with city agencies in Westchester County, NY, private clients, was often sought out to train other therapists in the field looking to advance their careers and was the recipient of many industry awards. A beloved wife and mother, Pam created a loving home that was always open to family and friends in New Rochelle, New York. While Trevor and Spencer were still young, she joined Jack & Jill of America. Later, in 1991, Pam joined the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Bronx Chapter, sponsored by long-time family friend, and mentor, Olivia McMillan. Pam went on to transfer into the Westchester Chapter, where she was an active member for over 15 years. With their children grown, and Charles retired, Pam and Charles moved to Suffolk, Virginia in 2007, where they built their “dream home.” Once again, doors were wide open to family and friends. Their annual Thanksgiving dinners were memorable and always ended with decorating the family Christmas tree. Upon her arrival in Suffolk, Pam transferred her Delta membership and her Rockland County, NY Links membership To Portsmouth, Virginia, where she quickly became an active member in both organizations. In search of a new spiritual home, her heart led her to Brighton Rock AME Zion Church, where she served as a Trustee on the Board, church treasurer, photographer, and occasionally sang in the choir. On December 3rd, 2017, her wondrous life came to an end when the Lord called her home, joining her parents. Leaving to remember and celebrate her life are: her beloved husband Charles; son Spencer (Kamren) and Their children Sam, Nicolas and Vivienne; son Trevor (Cydnee) and his daughters Kamia and Jioni; sister; Robin, and brothers, Aaron, Kenyatta and Rhahime; sisters-in-law Frances, Barbara and Gerri; nieces: Evie, Renee, Aaronica, Danielle and Savanna; nephews, Christopher and Jabari; her Aunt Carol and a host of cousins, friends and colleagues too numerous to list! If you are inclined, the Family invites you to make a donation in honor of Pamela C. Lightsy to VIRGINIA ONCOLOGY ASSOCIATES, 5900 Lake Wright Drive Norfolk, VA 23502, Thank you

Pamela Cecile Lightsy

October 4, 1947 - December 3, 2017