Mrs. Johnnie Ruth Light

Johnnie Ruth Light, age 96, of Arab, Alabama, passed away at Huntsville Hospice Family Care on Monday, February 20, 2023. Mrs. Light was born January 7, 1927 to John and Gertrude Spann and was the oldest of eleven children. She married the love of her life, Calvin Light, at the age of 16, and they celebrated 59 years of marriage before his death in 2002. Mrs. Light began her career as a teller at the Bank of Arab, which merged with AmSouth and eventually Regions Bank. She retired after 27 years. She worked with a group of ladies who remained life-long friends. After her retirement, Mrs. Light joined the Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers at MMCN. She volunteered in the lab 2-3 days per week until the age of 91. She was awarded the President’s Lifetime Volunteer Service Award in 2010 for over 4000 hours of volunteer service. Mrs. Light was an active member of Gilliam Springs Baptist Church and her Ladies Sunday School Class. She had a servant’s heart and liked nothing better than serving God, her church, and community. She was a living example of unwavering faith in God, and she instilled that in her family. Mrs. Light spent her life caring for her family, a constant source of love and support. She spent countless hours preparing meals, making sure family gathered at her house for Sunday lunches and holidays. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren were the highlights of her life. She leaves behind to cherish her memories, two daughters, Annette Barnard and Pam Hornsby (Ben); son-in-law, Jim Barnard; grandchildren, Michelle Holland (Brian), Brett Barnard, Shane Barnard (Ashley), Leigh-Anna Garrison (Alex); 15 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; one brother, J.A. Spann (Judy); one sister, Sue Henderson. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, James Calvin Light, Jr.; brothers, Douglas Spann, Billy Ray Spann, Lavon Spann, Kinney Spann, Don Spann; sisters, Arvella Derrick, Faye Casey, and Rosemary Spann. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The funeral service will immediately follow at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel with Brother Jamey Pruett officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Oak Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gilliam Springs Baptist Church or Huntsville Hospital Family Care Hospice. Pallbearers: Shane Barnard, Trevor Barnard, Wesley Aldaz, Aaron Aldaz, Alex Garrison and Mike Allen. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing.

Mrs. Johnnie Ruth Light

January 7, 1927 - February 20, 2023