Emogene Barrett Light

Emogene Barrett Light, 82, Kingsport, passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2025. She was born on July 17, 1943 in Kingsport and was a lifelong resident of Sullivan Gardens Community and a 1961 graduate of Sullivan High School. She retired in 2003 after forty-one years of faithful service at J.P. Stevens where she worked as a weaver. She enjoyed art, especially watercolor painting, cake decorating and jewelry, which she called “wearable art.” Some of her favorite jewelry artists were Robert Lee Morris and Barbara Bixby. Emogene was a lifetime member of Chapter 1106, Women of the Moose, Kingsport Lodge 972, where she served as a committee chairman and earned the Academy of Friendship degree. She was a member of Sullivan Baptist Church. She was also a former Girl Scout leader for Troop 178. She enjoyed collecting Hallmark Christmas ornaments, art glass, especially Fenton shoes and cat figurines. She liked working crossword puzzles and sitting on the porch watching the deer play by the nearby creek and watching the night sky. She possessed a wonderful love for animals, especially cats.

She is preceded in death by her husband of thirty-four years, Carson J. Light; parents, Efferd and Deba Light Barrett; brother, Ples William Barrett and her precious little white Chihuahua, Prissy DeLight.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Debra Jean Light; sister, Carmelita Barrett Jessee; very special nephew, Bobby Jessee and wife, Angela; great-nieces, Angelita and Cheyenne; special “family,” Melissa and Robert Lanson; her special feline family, Twinkle and Sweet Pea and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Emogene was laid to rest in Light cemetery following a private graveside service.

In honor of Emogene, Memorial contributions may be made to Sullivan West Volunteer Fire department 113 Rosemont St. Kingsport, TN 37660, Sullivan Gardens Community Center committee 4154 Sullivan Gardens Dr. Kingsport, TN 37660 or any animal rescue of your choice.