Elsa May Falk Lightsey

Elsa Falk Lightsey, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and neighbor passed away peacefully on June 27, 2023 in the presence of her children. Those left behind grieve the loss of this angel on earth but rejoice that she is now dancing in the arms of her dear husband Tully. Her family and friends will come together to celebrate her life on Saturday, July 8 at Westview Methodist Church at 11:00 am. All are invited to join us as we tell the story of Elsa, especially her love of family, her tenacious spirit, her cheering for the underdog and her desire to have fun, no matter the circumstances. Elsa was the sixth daughter and eighth of thirteen children of Alida and Nels Falk. Her family moved often due to the nature of her father’s work. Elsa and her siblings learned the art of blooming where you are planted, and from Florida to New York she did just that, making memories along the way. She graduated from Madison (FL) High School in 1955 and went to work at GMAC in Valdosta. One day she got a ride from a co-worker. It was an eventful ride in that she met Samuel Tully Lightsey, the love of her life. They married in 1956 and would celebrate 55 years of marriage until his death in 2011. They were a couple on a mission – to raise their children in a caring, loving home. Alida was born in Valdosta; Anna Lee, Abigail and Penny in Demopolis (AL) and Sammy in Blakely. Life in the Lightsey household was idyllic. Elsa was dedicated to creating a home where their children could flourish – she prepared homemade meals daily; she cut fresh flowers from her garden, placing them in her home; she sewed clothes, prom gowns, cheerleading uniforms and costumes; and she threw open the windows and played music on a summer day, making chores a delight to complete. Each of Elsa’s children knew that they were loved and cherished. This love would continue in the later years with the arrival of 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Granny’s home was a place abounding with love and fun. Summer days in Blakely meant slip and slide, sand piles, art projects, fishing, and pancakes at her kitchen counter. As one grandchild commented in wonderment, “Granny cooks THREE times a day!” Elsa’s love of family was underscored by her tenacity and work ethic. She started a preschool after Sammy started school, allowing her to give her loving care to more children. She went on to work as a school aide and substitute. It was then that she decided to go to college, fulfilling a life-long dream. She embraced her college experience, all while maintaining a busy household. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Troy State University in 1980 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught 3rd and 4th grade, Title I in both Early and Clay County schools. She was committed to making sure that all children were given an opportunity to succeed. If there was one word to describe being with Elsa, it would be fun. Elsa was the organizer of FUN. Laughing with her sisters and brothers. Dancing in the kitchen with Daddy. Developing Kolomoki Kids Art Festival. Roasting weiners and caroling at Christmas. Organizing neighborhood lake trips. Camping with the family. Holding family reunions at Camp Hacita for 25 years. Going to clown school at age 55. Singing fun songs with every child. Elsa brought joy to all who crossed her path. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister Alice Rohberg and her brothers George and Helmer Falk, and grandson Chris Ward. Elsa is survived by her children: Alida (Richard) Ward of Arlington GA, Anna Lee (Jesse) Jordan of Bell Buckle TN, Abigail (Mike) Carter of Ponte Vedra Beach FL, Penny (Pat) Storey of Blakely and Sammy (Talisa) Lightsey of Hilton GA; her grandchildren: Jennifer (David) Dunn of Thomasville, Ames Allmond of New London CT, Elsa (Reid) Harrison of Bluffton GA, Mary Brenna Corr and Conor (Kate) O’Neil of Nashville TN, Sam Carter of Chicago IL, Joe Carter of Jacksonville FL, Jed Carter of Ponte Vedra Beach FL, Natalie Storey of Deland FL, Andrew Storey of Birmingham AL, Walt (Lindsay) Lightsey of Cowarts AL and Clara Beth (Nick) Grasso of Savannah GA; and great grandchildren: Reyse Atkinson of Marietta GA, Gus and Charlie Dunn of Thomasville GA, Abigail and Meredith Crawford and William Harrison of Bluffton GA, Isabella Ward of St. Simons GA, Aden Jordan of Bell Buckle TN, Charlie and William O’Neil of Nashville TN, Noah Brixey and Declan Storey of Deland FL, Ansley Lightsey of Cowarts AL and Lily Grasso of Savannah GA. Elsa’s sisters and brothers who will miss her dearly are Ann Robinson of Cantonment FL, Britta Thompson, June Williams, Nels (Sandy) Falk, Lili (Larry) Cattin of Jacksonville FL, Delores Miller of Dothan AL, Betty Falk and Eric (Karen) Falk of Ponte Vedra Beach FL, Norma (Wayne) Kirkland of Scottsboro AL, Phyllis (P.J) Lamborn of New Smyrna Beach FL. She was a sweet sister-in-law and aunt to many, many more. The family thanks all for their continued prayers and remembrances. We especially appreciate the loving care given by Extendicare in Dothan and Gentiva Hospice. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, July 8 at 11:00 at Westview Methodist Church, 82 Westview Drive, Blakely GA. We request no flowers, but if you so desire, please remember her by a gift in her memory to an organization close to her heart: Westview Methodist Church where she served as communion minister for over 40 years; Friends of Kolomoki Mounds (kolomokifriends@gmail.com), and Pataula Center for Children (pataulacenterforchildren.org).