Florence Cathy Yelling-Lightfoot

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 7 2026 at Greater St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church 315 Sixth Street Franklin, Louisiana. Burial will follow in the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery in Charenton, Louisiana.

Florence “Cathy” Yelling Lightfoot was born on February 26, 1959, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to the late Horace and Florence Yelling. She was the eighth of ten children and accepted Christ at an early age, being baptized at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.

Florence was a proud graduate of Franklin Senior High School, Class of 1977. Throughout her life, she was known for her strong work ethic and dedication to caring for others. She began her professional career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and was also employed by Oceaneering, Mark Rubber, Jeanerette Mills, and Cypress Bayou Casino.

A faithful servant of God, Florence was an active member of Greater St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Deandre C. Johnson, Sr. She faithfully served in the Kitchen Ministry, Usher Ministry, and Pastor's Aide Ministry until her health no longer allowed her to continue. Her commitment to her church and community reflected the love and compassion she carried in her heart.

Florence leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will forever be cherished by her family. She is survived by her six sons: Horatio (Kendra) Yelling of Fresno, Texas; Travis Lightfoot of Franklin, Louisiana; Norman Lightfoot, Tyrone Lightfoot, and Anthony Lightfoot, all of Patterson, Louisiana; and Chad Lightfoot of Youngsville, Louisiana. She is also survived by her six daughters: Coratio Yelling of Franklin, Louisiana; Patricia Monette, Geneva Domain, and Chelsea Sheppard, all of Houston, Texas; Annie Mae Navy of Verdunville, Louisiana; and Stephanie Lightfoot of Berwick, Louisiana.

Florence lovingly reared two grandchildren, Tylan Lightfoot and Harmoni Yelling, whom she cherished dearly; with six additional grandchildren, Jaleel Moore, Horaciana Yelling, Kyla Yelling, Horatio Yelling, Jr., Ta'Liyah Lightfoot, and Traylen; two great grandchildren, Remi and Xae'lani. She also leaves to mourn her passing five sisters: Lillie Washington of Bakertown, Louisiana; Ellener (Dave) Peters of Franklin, Louisiana; Joyce Freeman of Franklin, Louisiana; LaKondra Polk of Lafayette, Louisiana; and Shannon Goldsmith of Shreveport, Louisiana. Three brothers also survive her: Hebert (Lorraine) Yelling of Charenton, Louisiana; Mark (Denise) Yelling of Jeanerette, Louisiana; and Wayne Yelling, Sr. of Baldwin, Louisiana. Her legacy continues through her 39 grandchildren and 56 great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Florence Yelling; her beloved husband, Nelson Lightfoot; her brothers, Edward Yelling, Raywood Yelling, and Horace Yelling; and her niece, Catina Yelling.

Florence was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, godmother, sister, aunt, niece, and friend. She embraced life with joy and loved everyone she encountered. Known for her caring spirit, she was always willing to help those in need. An excellent cook and natural caregiver, Florence brought comfort, warmth, and love to countless lives. Her beautiful smile, generous heart, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.