Alonzo Arnold Lighty,  also known as "Cool Papa," was born in Winston Salem, North Carolina on March 22, 1931. His parents were Ruth Lighty Winchester and Frank Winchester. He was also raised by his grandmother, Ethel Lighty.

He attended the Winston Salem School System and after graduating from Atkins High School in 1949, he went on to advance his education by attending Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina and graduated in 1954. He was also a member of the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, and was a member of the History Club, Debaters Club and French Club. Alonzo also played football, basketball, and softball.  In his yearbook in college, he stated that, "Every life has its actual blanks which the ideal must fill up or remain bare and profitless forever."

He worked for the Post Office in Winston Salem and retired after spending 35 years of service. Alonzo also served time in the United States Army. He was a dedicated and faithful member of Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church for many years.

Our family was introduced to Alonzo or as he was called by all, "Cool Papa," when he started dating our mother. Still can't believe that they would go on to enjoy each other for 64 years and have a child together. He became a part of the family, and we were all delighted to have him as a member. He attended many of our family functions and was comfortable with being a part of us. He enjoyed reading the newspaper and reading a good book. He read all the time, and it was enjoyable to discuss the news with him and sports of course. Alonzo and our mother loved travelling, and he took her everywhere and especially to New York because they both enjoyed seeing New York City, Broadway Shows, trips to Coney Island and especially seeing Harlem. They went all over the United States and Canada and enjoyed life and each other as a couple.

Losing Alonzo is like losing our mom all over again. It hurts our hearts at one end but comforts our hearts at the other end because God took him just the way we asked him to do in our prayers. We said to God years ago to let him live a long good life because he deserved it for the way he treated our mom and her children. Then when he got sick, we asked God to let him be comfortable as he transitioned. He loved our mother, his daughter, his grandson and still had love for her other children and their extended families. We were his family in many ways. Who creates a man like this but God. God sent him to our mother, and he understood why he was here on earth and how to respect and treat people. He was a true Man and even God wants all of us to follow His Word and treat all people with respect and kindness, many fall short. However, he is now with God. Our Father welcomed Alonzo and grabbed his hands at the Gate and said to Alonzo, "Take a Bow," "Job Well Done."

My family is heartbroken, but we understand that Alonzo had a good long life and because of his kindness and his beautiful heart, he helped all of us in some way. I am sure his friends are sad as well, but they knew him just the way we did and understood it was God's will; and so, He took Alonzo at this time.

Alonzo leaves behind a daughter, Belinda Hauser of Tobaccoville, North Carolina; a grandson, Derrick Wayne Adams, Jr. of Raleigh North Carolina; The Stroud Clan and children who adopted him as their father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather; and his loving friends, Carl and Ernestine Miller and Leon Leaper, Jr.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, November 21, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church with Dr. Tressala Hicklin officiating. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00pm on Saturday at the Church.