Elizabeth Cartwright

Elizabeth Ann Light Cartwright, 87, passed away on Monday, Aug. 20, 2012.She was born at home in Nolan Valley, Bell County, Texas on Sunday, Aug. 9, 1925. She was the oldest of six children. She survived the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, Bonnie and Clyde robberies, rattlesnakes, small pox epidemic, pneumonia, devastating floods and diphtheria outbreak. As a young woman she worked as a manager of the military post photo studio where she met the love of her life. Three weeks after meeting Herbert she became an "Army Wife" setting up households all over the United States, Japan, Germany and visiting other countries. As a young mother she served as a Sunday School teacher, home room mother, Cub Scout and Brownie den mother, Girl Scout Neighborhood chairman, president of the Newcomers Club, treasurer, then president of the Officers Wives Club and Red Cross Volunteer. She served as director of volunteers for the American Red Cross for 11 years. When the Tennessee Aquarium opened in 1991 she was a chartered docent.She was an excellent seamtress, cooked delicious meals, loved Big Band music, was a trained floral designer, excellent hostess and a "lady" in every sense of the word. She was always an optimist with a strong faith in God. She raised her children to be tolerant of others, to believe in God, to be respectful, honest and forgiving in all matters. She always took the "high" road and encouraged others to do the same. She will be missed by her family and friends.She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Lawrence Cartwright Jr.; her granddaughter, Amy E. Cartwright, of Midland, Texas, her parents, John Hudson Light and Erba Wiseman Light, of Belton, Texas; and son-in-law, Jerry Simmons, of Chattanooga.She is survived by her son, Herbert L. Cartwright III and daughter-in-law, Melissa Cartwright, of Midland, Texas; daughter, Priscilla Simmons, of Chattanooga; granddaughters, Elizabeth Simmons Fountain, of Fort Myers, Fla.; Amanda Cartwright Reed, of Midland, Texas; Kristina Simmons, of Chattanooga; great-granddaughters, Emily and Lauren Reed, of Midland, Texas; great-grandson, James Fountain of Fort Myers, Fla.The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.Services for Mrs. Cartwright will follow at 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home chapel with Minister David Schonhoff officiating.Burial will follow in National Cemetery.In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Central Church of Christ, 400 Vine St., Chattanooga, TN 37403, or the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 801 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37403.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.comArrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.