Karen J. Lightford Lee

Karen Jeannie Lightford-Lee, only 65 years into her life’s journey, passed away unexpectedly on August 7, 2025.

Lovingly known to many as “Jeannie,” Karen was one of four children of Melvin and the late Alpheaus Pruitt Lightford. She was born November 30, 1959, in Nashville, Tennessee, and from her earliest years, her life was marked by faith, music, joy, and a deep compassion for others. Always wearing a warm smile, she radiated positivity and had a natural gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved.

Jeannie attended Riverside Elementary School, now known as F. H. Jenkins Preparatory School, continued at Madison Academy, and graduated from Maplewood High School. She went on to Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology—an area of study that perfectly reflected her compassion for others and her commitment to serving her community.

Professionally, Jeannie built a dedicated career in healthcare, working as an Office Manager and a Credentialing Specialist for various organizations, including Parallon Physician Services (HCA) and Cigna Healthcare. She was known not only for her diligence, efficiency, and attention to detail, but also for her kindness, patience, and servant-leadership—qualities that inspired her colleagues and touched the lives of patients and families.

Jeannie was a devoted wife to Robert Lee and a loving mother to Tiffany Lee (Christopher Wade, son-in-love) and Justin Lee (Janelle Freeman, daughter-in-love). The joy of her life was her grandson, Logan, whose smile could light up her world just as hers lit up his.

Adventurous at heart, Jeannie was never afraid to try something new—whether white-water rafting, parasailing high above the ocean, or traveling to explore new destinations. Family vacations overflowed with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories. She approached life’s challenges with courage, grace, optimism, and unwavering faith in God.

A lifelong member of Riverside Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church, Jeannie served faithfully in many ministries, including as an usher, member of the Praise Choir, Praise Team, New World Singers, Chappelles, “Just Friends,” a greeter, Women’s Ministries leader, and children’s Sabbath School teacher. Her contagious laughter and heartfelt worship—especially when she threw her head back to sing “Trust and Obey”—will remain a treasured memory to all who knew her.

Jeannie was truly a Proverbs 31 woman—clothed with strength and dignity, speaking with wisdom and kindness, and faithfully caring for her household. She lived with integrity, generosity, and humility, blessing every life she touched. A servant leader in every sense, she led by example, inspiring others to love more deeply, give more freely, and live more joyfully.

She was a thinker, a doer, a fighter for justice, and a living example of James 2:14–26. Jeannie poured her love, values, and faith into her children and grandson, leaving a legacy that will live on for generations.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Alpheaus Pruitt Lightford. She leaves to cherish her memory her father, Melvin Lightford Sr.; her husband, Robert Lee; her children, Tiffany Lee (Christopher Wade) and Justin Lee (Janelle Freeman); her grandson, Logan; her siblings, Pamela Simons (William “Billy”), Dr. Melvin Lightford (Carolyn), and Darryl Lightford (Joanne); nieces and nephews; grand- and great-grand-nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and dear friends whose lives she touched deeply.

The Celebration of Life Service can be live streamed using one of the following platforms https://www.facebook.com/riversidenashville or YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiversideNashville