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MARILYN LIGHTFOOTE Obituary
Dr. MARILYN MADRY LIGHTFOOTE
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, a molecular immunologist, Director of Clinical Science for Devices and Radiological Health transitioned April 12, 2017. As a graduate of the Fisk Class of 1964, she received her medical degree from Howard University where she met her husband, the late Dr. William E. Lightfoote II, neurologist. She was the first African-American doctoral graduate in the molecular immunology department at The University of Virginia and received her PhD in 1985.As a medical researcher at George Washington University and National Institutes of Health, her research led to the discovery of the HIV virus prior to it being identified as an epidemic. Dr. Marilyn Lightfoote then became the Director of the Division of Life Sciences at the FDA. As an active member of numerous organizations, including The Links, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and St. Paul's Episcopal Church she mentored all communities she encountered. Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Dr. Lynne Lightfoote; mother, Mrs. Janie Cowart Madry; sister, Dr. Jacquelyn Madry-Taylor; niece, Miss Jana Taylor; three brothers-in-law and a host of family and friends. Service will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St., Alexandria, VA. 22314. Visitation, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Ceremony 9:20 a.m. The Links, Incorporated Memorial Ceremony 10:15 a.m. Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Arrangements by McGuire.
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Memories and Condolences
for MARILYN LIGHTFOOTE
Brooks Post Mitchell
July 13, 2024
I just came across this announcement and want to add my memory of her in the summer of 1963 as we participated in Dr. Peter Manniche's International Vacation Courses in Scandinavia, she sponsored by Margaret Scatterhood. I remember Marilyn as friendly, humorous, always ready for adventure and she believed she would be an MD. The world is grateful that she did.
Brooks Post Mitchell
Charlotte A Lee, M.D.
April 10, 2023
It's time again to remember with fondness this remarkable woman. Hope the warm thoughts continue to comfort her family.
Mital Gandhi
March 26, 2023
This evening while searching thru some old emails, I found an email from Mrs. Lightfoote that I´d like to share. While she passed away 6 years ago, I happened to google her now when I found that message and I shed a tear knowing she passed away. Us kidney transplant patients have an allegiance to one another. I know what she felt that she had that extra time together with friends and family. And after six years of her demise, I thought it would be fun and insightful for her family to see an email from her to an unknown fellow kidney transplant patient. Much love and peace .
Charlotte A Lee, M.D.
April 10, 2022
I know it doesn't get any easier for the family on this anniversary, but hopefully, warm thoughts from friends will help smooth some of the rough edges.
George Baker, Jr.
April 11, 2021
That big smile and warm personality will always live. Enjoy your heavenly home Sister Marilyn. Peace, joy & blessings to the family.
Charlotte A Lee
April 10, 2021
I'll always remember such an unforgettable person.
Roberta
April 10, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We still love you and will miss you always.
Joycelyn Nicks
April 11, 2019
I find it hard to believe that Marilyn is no longer on this earth.She was a beautiful person. As a child, I admired and tried to emulate her often. She was kind, loving, smart,talented and humble. Her spirit was that of as angel. I am blessed to have known her.
April 10, 2019
Remembering Marilyn s legacy. Continued condolences to the family.
Tara Smith
April 8, 2018
Reflecting on the beautiful life of my FDA mentor; I miss our seasonal tea breaks, but the encouraging words & excellent example of professionalism that you exhibited lives on 4ever! Keeping the Lightfoote & Madry family in my thoughts & prayers at this 1 year time of reflection on transition & celebration of life for Dr. Lightfoote.
Joycelyn Nicks
June 27, 2017
Dear Madry and Lightfoote families,
My deepest sympathies go out to the families. Marilyn was a very special person.
Joycelyn Nicks, Newnan, Ga
Rudyne Walker
May 1, 2017
Dear Lightfoote and Madry families,
My prayers are for the peace that only Christ can give you; His peace passes all understanding (Phil 4:8) and comforts when it seems impossible to stop crying. As a classmate and friend of Jackye's (Fisk '66), and as a recent living-donor kidney recipient, I can only imagine that Marilyn's homegoing was a complete surprise to you, but not to Our Father who loved her best. By His grace, she received 5 vital more years because of that new kidney. How blessed you were to have known, and loved her. Her name will be added to our church's prayer list today as we pray for the precious family and hurting friends. But we pray your grief will be tempered by the strength for believers in God's word 1Thes 4:13-18.
Abiy Desta
April 26, 2017
My deepest condolences to Dr. Lightfoote's family and friends. Dr. Lightfoote was my boss and my mentor at the FDA. It was an honored to have known her and worked with her.
April 25, 2017
Deepest condolences may the Lord give you strength and courage in your bereavement.
Carol Bugg
April 23, 2017
My prayers and deepest condolences are offered to Jacquelyn M. Taylor, and to the Lightfoote, Madry, and Taylor families.
Rotonya Carr, MD
April 23, 2017
My deepest condolences to your family. I have no words that can ease your sorrow, but please know that my prayers are with your family as you grieve. ... an unimaginable loss for your family and a great loss for our medical community.
Roxanne Iszard
April 22, 2017
Jackie, Mrs. Madry, Lynne:
On behalf of the Iszard Family, we will miss such a lovely person. Marilyn was someone we admired and cherished as a friend.
April 21, 2017
Condolences are extended to the entire Lightfoote, Madry , and Taylor families. Marilyn will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved her. Her grace, charm, and pleasant demeanor,together with her Christian values made Marilyn a model person, one to be emulated by those who will follow her. She embodied all the fruits of the spirit given in Galatians 5:22-23. A bright spot will be missing from our midst, but a new shining star is now added to the heavens. Yes, earth has lost a friend , but heaven has gained an angel. God Bless.
Brother George Baker Jr.
St. Stephen AME Church
Jacksonville, Fl.
April 21, 2017
Condolences are extended to the entire Lightfoote, Madry , and Taylor families. Marilyn will be sorely missed by those who new and loved her. Her grace, charm, and pleasant demeanor,together with her Christian values made Marilyn a model person, one to be emulated by those who will follow her. She embodied all the fruits of the spirit given in Galations 5:22-23. A bright spot will be missing from our midst, but a new shining star is now added to the heavens. Yes, earth has lost a friend , but heaven has gained an angel. God Bless.
Bother George Baker Jr.
St. Stephen AME Church
Jacksonville, Fl.
Joan McClain-Bennett
April 21, 2017
Though we may not understand why sad things happen...May it somehow help to know how much we care. Goodbye FDA colleague.
Juanita Hart-Tolbert
April 21, 2017
As a classmate at New Stanton High school (Jax) and Fisk University, I am schocked and saddened by Marilyns' transition. May the family be assured that her legacy and accomplishments will be a wonderful role model for many. Blessings and peace,
Juanita Hart Tolbert (Fisk, 1964)
April 21, 2017
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I love you my little sister. Margie Alvarez Witherspoon
Tameika Jackson
April 21, 2017
Dr. Lynne Lightfoote
I send you and your family my condolences. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. My heart breaks for you and I pray God gives you the strength to get through today. I know it's hard to accept the loss of your mother but you have gained a guardian angel.
God Bless,
margie lee
April 20, 2017
Condolences to Jackie and the entire family for your great loss. Marilyn was a Soror, sister Link and friend with whom sadly I had no contact for years, but did recently have the good fortune to visit briefly when I was in the Va area from Florida. Thanks be to God! May she Rest In Peace
April 20, 2017
Dear Family of Dr. Lightfoote, please accept my sincere condolences, which I offer with the deepest respect for a woman who accomplished so much as a scientist, gave generously to the world around her, and did so with elegance and grace. I will miss Dr. Lightfoote and feel blessed to have known her. May you find comfort in loving memories, and in the knowledge that she lives on in the science inspired by her work. Marilyn, thank you.
Doris Jones Lovett
April 20, 2017
What a genius, even in High school(stanton Class of 1960) God Bless the family and I HOPE the healing will come quickly.
Roberta Wright
April 20, 2017
...celebrating a life well-lived and a beautiful daughter left to uphold an important family legacy. Rest in paradise, my friend. I know you are enjoying walking around in your new shoes!
Philene Ware Dunn
April 20, 2017
Marilyn served as my liaison to the Committee on Priesthood for the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, the longest serving member of that committee for almost 20 years! She loved the Lord and served with love in all she did. Welcome home.
Karen Meggett Hemphill
April 20, 2017
To the Lightfoote,and Madry Family,
Please accept our heartfelt prayers, and thoughts that are extended to you during this difficult time of sorrow.
Donna Anderson-Brookins
April 20, 2017
To Marilyn's family, my deepest prayers and condolences. Marilyn was a wonderful colleague at FDA. Always helpful, always friendly, always a light when she walked in the room. Her success's in her education and career are to be admonished. She set a standard for many African American women to follow in her footsteps. I will certainly miss her. Rest on Marilyn, job well done!
Tayo Fadiran
April 19, 2017
This is a big loss to the family and our community at FDA. Marilyn was a wonderful person to work with - very sweet and always willing to help. Praying for God's comfort for the immediate and extended family members. She will be greatly missed at FDA!
Sharon Davis, FDA Colleague
April 19, 2017
My deepest sympathies go out to the family. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Mary Beth Jacobs
April 19, 2017
My deep sympathy to the Lightfoote and Madry families. Marilyn combined her great caring for people with her scientific talents. She was such a positive force for so many. I will miss her friendship.
April 19, 2017
Dear Lightfoote Family, my husband Larry Bockstahler and I are deeply sad to hear of Marilyn's passing. We have many reasons to be grateful to have known her as a coworker, "boss" and dear friend. She was an exceptional and beautiful human being. May her example be the light that shows the future.
Rotraut and Larry Bockstahler
Vernice Pinkston-Whitfield
April 18, 2017
My condolences to the Lightfoote/Madry family on the transition of Marilyn. She was a beautiful spirit and will be missed. Remember, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."
Charlotte Lee, Fisk Class of '66
April 18, 2017
We have a wonderful new Angel in Heaven. May the entire family find comfort in her now being even closer to God.
April 18, 2017
Jackie, praying for comfort and the knowledge that we who have hope will see her again.
Orlanda C Blount '66
George Knox
April 17, 2017
Grief and pain at the loss of a lifelong friend.
We met in third grade. Marilyn was a model of brilliance, beauty, and grace.
May we be strong to understand Divine Order
Renee Carter-Perpall
April 17, 2017
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your mom's memory will live on in your hearts forever. I will continue to lift you up in prayers of comfort.
Soror & Link Sister Renee
Sissy and Derek Walker
April 17, 2017
The Walker family children would never have made it to Sunday School without Marilyn's keen understanding of what they needed. And wanted (doughnuts). The heavens are brighter now for her presence there.
Paul Smith
April 17, 2017
I am still stunned by the sudden passing of my friend, Marilyn. We both grew up in Jax., Fla and went to college the same year. Her family is one of the outstanding legacy families of Jax. She and her sister, Jackie, represent the finest that our town could offer the world. We seldom saw each other, but I did speak with her a few weeks ago while she and I were in Jax. We were looking forward to lunch. She was the best and the brightest and never a nicer person would you meet. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. And a light perpetual shine upon them.
April 17, 2017
God is still standing by for you and will aide each of you at anytime. He wants to wrap His loving arms around the Madry & Lightfoote Families and bring you the amazing comfort that only God can provide. Family please remember to reach out. Love Katherine Taylor Gardner
Steve Whitney
April 17, 2017
I walked out of the building with Marilyn late last week and she looked at the sky and said "What a beautiful evening" with her usual warm enthusiasm. Will miss her.
April 17, 2017
I was shocked and sorry to hear of the passing of Soror Lightfoote. We would always discuss some sorority events when passing the halls in White Oak. My sympathy extended to the family during this time. I will continue to keep everyone lifted up in prayer.
FDA Coworker & Soror Valerie A. Flournoy
JaneAnne & Kevin Gleason
April 17, 2017
We are Blessed for having known Marilyn and call her friend.
Don Witters
April 17, 2017
With deepest sympathy. Marilyn was generous with her time, kind and a good listener. When you talked with her she always engaged and was interested. Always with an easy smile. She will be missed.
Don Witters
April 17, 2017
With deepest sympathy. Marilyn was kind and generous with her time. She was a good listener with a curious nature that always made time to talk and help where she could. She will be missed.
Mary Thompson-McManus
April 17, 2017
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
April 17, 2017
You will be missed by your family at FDA.
Cynthia Ball Robinson
April 17, 2017
Grace and Peace to the family!
Anne Lucas
April 16, 2017
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