Joyce Ryan Light

By Staff
January 9, 2010
Funeral for Joyce Ryan Light, 92, of Hartselle was Monday, Jan. 11, at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Glen Smallwood officiating.
Burial was in Shoal Creek Cemetery.
Mrs. Light died Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at her residence. She was born Aug. 13, 1917, in Morgan County to James E. and Bertha Willis Ryan. She was raised at Ryan’s Cross Roads. She was a devout Christian and devoted her life to serving the Lord. In the early 1970’s, she and her husband were house parents at the Flint Detention Home, where they were known as Memaw and Pepaw Light. During this time, more than 300 kids and teenagers were recipients of her Christian love and influence. She was also a foster parent. Three girls and more than 75 boys passed through her home. Some stayed only a few days, others a lifetime. To many she was the first and only Christian influence they had and to the majority of these she is still known as “mother.” She was well known for her tender loving heart, her wonderful country cooking and open door policy. Most everyone she met was immediately asked to call her “Granny Light.” She will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Edward “Barney” Light; a sister, Josie Ryan; and a son-in-law, Ray Kennedy.
She is survived by two daughters, Edna Sue “Gomer” Kennedy and Carolyn Leeth and husband Benny; three grandchildren, Tim Leeth, Terry Light and wife Lisa and Lisa Leeth; six great-grandchildren, Ryan Light Self and husband Brian, T.J. Light and wife Michelle, Travis Light, MiKayla Hawkins, Josie Light and Hunter Light; and a host of nieces, nephews, foster children, extended family and friends.
Pallbearers were Tim Leeth, Terry Light, T.J. Light, David Light, Joe Light, Adam Light, Vincent Thigpen and Baron Rollins.