Marybelle Light Obituary, Beloved Marybelle Light Passes Away at 93, Leaving a Legacy of Love and Service

Marybelle Light Obituary, Death – Marybelle Light, a beloved resident of Cumberland, MD, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at the age of 93 in Montgomery, Texas. Surrounded by her loving family, she embarked on her eternal journey.

Born on February 3, 1930, in Cumberland to parents Cornelius Jackson Bageant and Lessa (Hovermale) Bageant, Marybelle was the youngest of seven children.

She was preceded in death by her son, John Kirby Light, in 1981; her husband of 69 years, Dr. John P. Light, in 2022; two brothers, Harry L. Bageant and Cornelius Jackson “Pete” Bageant; and four sisters, Mabel Young, Virginia Bishop, Hazel Neus, and Anna Lee Reed.

Marybelle was a graduate of Fort Hill High School, Class of 1948. She began her career in women’s sportswear at Rosenbaum’s retail store, later moving into the Rosenbaum Business Office. Her financial acumen led to her recruitment by Potomac Edison, where she excelled in their Business Office.

On February 21, 1953, Marybelle married John P. Light, and together they had three children: Joni, Kirby, and Christopher. While her husband pursued his medical education at the University of Maryland, Marybelle established a social support and charitable group for spouses, which she continued upon their return to Cumberland. She was an active member of the Allegany County Medical Auxiliary, holding various leadership positions, including President.

Marybelle was also Chairman of the House of Delegates for the Allegany County Medical Society from 1982 to 1983. She contributed to her community as a member of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Women’s Sports Club, and The Civic Club.

An enthusiastic bridge player, Marybelle cherished her time spent playing with friends. She enjoyed hosting gatherings at her home, had a passion for shopping, and took pride in her large needlepoint canvases displayed at the Gordon-Roberts House.

Marybelle is survived by her daughter Joni and husband Tim Screen, her son Chris and wife Tawny, her granddaughters Jennifer Screen and fiancé Jonathan Chalos, Zoë Light, grandson Alex Sniff, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., located at 108 Virginia Ave., on Saturday, July 15th, from 10 am to 11 am. A funeral service will follow immediately at 11 am. Interment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Marybelle’s memory with a donation to First Presbyterian Church, located at 11 Washington St., Cumberland, MD.