Emma Jean Golightly, lovingly known as Jean, age 90, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026. Jean was born on December 5, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Minnie Owens-Bell and Millard Bell. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW SERVICE ON WEBCAM.

Jean was united in marriage to James Golightly Sr. and embraced the journey of life as a devoted military wife. Through her husband’s military service, Jean had the opportunity to travel and experience life in many places across the country and around the world. She lived in Japan, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, and Boston, creating cherished memories and building a life wherever their journey took them. Eventually, Jean returned home to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she resided and remained close to her family and loved ones.

Jean was a dedicated employee of The Kroger Company, where she worked for many years before retiring. She took pride in her work and in providing for and caring for her family. Jean will be remembered for her open-door home, where family and friends were always welcomed with love. She enjoyed cooking and especially cherished having her family together for holidays and special occasions. Jean was social, kind, caring, and always enjoyed the company of those around her. Her home was a place where people could gather, share a meal, laugh, fellowship, and make lasting memories.

Jean also had a fun-loving and competitive spirit. She enjoyed playing card games, especially Spades, Tonk, and Pinochle, and loved the laughter and fellowship that came with every game.

She also had a special love for her dogs, who were cherished companions and an important part of her life.

Jean’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves a beautiful legacy of love that will continue through the many generations she leaves behind.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Minnie Owens-Bell and Millard Bell; her three brothers, William Bell, Floyd Rochelle Jr., and Tommy Rochelle; and her son, James Golightly Jr.

Jean leaves to cherish her memory her children, Maxine Banks; Roy (Cassandra) Golightly; Vicky Golightly; Pauline (Darryle) Byrd, and her beloved sister, Lucille Bell.

She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Denise Banks, Raymond Banks, Gregory (Jessica) Banks Jr., Rondray Willis, Dwynell Golightly, Steven Golightly, Shevelle Golightly, Demetria Hines, Darryle (Mya) Byrd Jr., Ciera Golightly, and Regina Byrd; 31 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins, other relatives, and dear loved ones.

Jean’s warmth, kindness, strength, humor, and generous spirit touched the lives of so many. Her open heart and open door made everyone feel welcome, and the memories she created with her family and friends will be treasured forever.

She was deeply loved, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

She will be laid to rest at Walnut Hills Cemetery.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Golightly family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Golightly family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.

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