Antoinette Light

Antoinette Light loved beauty. Whether actively observing the natural world around her or engaging in deep and meaningful conversation with the people she knew and met, Antoinette always discovered something of beauty to celebrate. Antoinette was 71 when she graduated from this life June 24, 2011 at home in Sandy Springs, GA surrounded by her beloved family following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Clarksburg West Virginia to Gaza and Roger Petitto (both deceased), Antoinette graduated from Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg and then attended Ohio University of Athens, Ohio. She then began a career as a copywriter in Manhattan, NY. Which was no small feat for a woman in those days. In 1961 she and husband Paul relocated to Atlanta GA where she continued her Copywriting career at BBD&O, Atlanta. She also became a freelance writer, author and fine artist. Beginning in 1980, Antoinette became Secretary Treasurer of Paul Light’s Buckhead Jeep Chrysler, a position, which she held until the business, was sold in 2006. During those years, Antoinette touched many lives with her kindness, grace, and thoughtful stewardship. Throughout her automotive career Antoinette continued to paint and draw regularly, continually honing her craft. Ever the student of life, she was always, constantly learning new ways of looking at the world around her and expressing her ideas about it through her art. For many years, Antoinette fueled her endless desire to create shifts in her work by attending classes regularly at The Abernathy Center For the Arts in Sandy Springs GA. The real joy of Antoinette’s life, though, was her family to whom she was totally and selflessly dedicated. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Paul, son Paul Jr, daughter and son-in-law Antonia and David Nelson of Brooklyn, NY, brothers Roger Petitto of Atlanta GA and Tony Anthony of Clarksburg WVA, and a host of relatives and friends around the country. She is predeceased by her brother Byron Petitto. Although Antoinette was taken from us too soon, she lived a full and excellent life. Antoinette’s sudden passing leaves an indescribable rift in the lives of those who knew and loved her, but what she leaves behind is a legacy of love and kindness that is of far greater consequence than the sum of any loss. Visitation will be Sunday, June 26 at Sandy Springs Chapel from 6PM-8PM. The funeral service will be held at Monday, June 27 at 11AM at Sandy Springs Chapel 136 Mt Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra.