It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of, Mary Celinda Lightfoot Mangum, who left us on September 24, 2024. A true Manatee County native, born to Gladys Mae Frasier Lightfoot and Kenneth Lightfoot at Bradenton General Hospital on October 30, 1953, she was full of love, laughter, and resilience, from the day she entered this world.
Preceded in death by both her parents; her brother, Kenneth "Chipper" Lightfoot; her husband and best friend of 38 years, Arthur Jerry Mangum, Sr. She is survived by her daughters, Celinda C. "Cathy" (Todd) Hicks, Kristi (Doug) Byram, Kim Sue Lee; a son, Arthur J. Mangum Jr.; her grandchildren Erica (Landon) Howes, Austin Childers, Logan Lee and Madison Lee, and a great grandson, Hendricks Howes, along with many other family members and friends.
She touched the lives of all who knew her. We invite all to join us in remembering a remarkable woman who was born 70 years ago. A Mysterious and Magical woman full of spirit and sass. Mary was strong, kind, giving, loving, a force to be recognized.
Mary was a daughter, sister and 25 years later a mother. A mother that made her own daughters want to be good and strong women. She showed the universe that light can be found in darkness, that the scars and tattoos left behind are just reminders of where she's been...and where she's going. She was faithful and questioned that same faith at times. Mary looked for adventures whenever and wherever, because she knew life was to be lived.
She was a lover of animals, to the point of heartbreak at times. Not letting that ever stop her from giving all her love to them, even when they weren't with her long.
Mary made friends for life and, as life closed chapters in her book, learned some friends are just for seasons, but always knowing that her true friends would always be by her side.
She was an artist, a reader, a crier at hallmark movies. She was a cigar smoking, whiskey sippin', bacon eating, phenomenal woman. She was a lover of all music, and her laugh, was music to our ears.
She prepared us for life, but never prepared us for her death. She was my mother. And we could not have loved her anymore.
To commemorate her incredible journey through life, and to celebrate the love she spread, a Celebration of Life Service will be held in her honor at EnRich, 5239 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34209, on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 2 PM to 6 PM. Please come dressed bright & sparkling. The only way she would have wanted it.
In lieu of any flowers for the family or service, please consider making a donation in her name to Underdog Rescue of Florida (https://underdogrescueofflorida.com). Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
