Beatrice Freeman Wright

Bea was born on July 4, 1932 in Mount Airy, GA to the late Gordon Freeman and Annie Mae Sisk. She was one of seven children. Her mother passed away when she was only 16 years old, leaving her to quit school and take care of her family while living in Charlotte.

While riding on a bus one day, Bea, by divine will, met Pat Cochran and her small children. Pat wanted someone to live with her while her husband, Jack, was working out of town, so Bea lived with them for several years, becoming family; and they still are to this day.

She worked at Southern Bell as a Switchboard Operator, as well as several other businesses throughout her career.

Later, Bea would meet the love of her life, Don Wright, on a blind date. They were married after six months, and had a double wedding with his brother, Henry, and Lib Wright on February 12, 1955.

Shortly after they were married, they moved to California where their first son, Brad, was born. Don’s job relocated again to Norfolk, VA where their daughter, Donna, was born. The family of four eventually returned home to the Charlotte area where Bea remained for the rest of her life.

Bea was notably devoted to her children and grandchildren, whom she dearly loved. This is reflected in the words of her grandchildren: “she was the best Granny Bea in this world!” She was also a dedicated member at Westview Christian Church in Charlotte, where she was an active participant in the Young at Heart group.

As a big football and basketball fan, Bea especially loved the Miami Dolphins and the Carolina Tarheels. She enjoyed listening to Elvis, going to church, and cooking. Bea insisted on cooking nearly every day, despite her growing health concerns in recent years.

Bea was famous for her impeccable appearance; she was dressed to the nines no matter the occasion, and having her hair and makeup done was always of utmost importance. She was fiercely independent, a spitfire at times, and incredibly strong and selfless. Bea loved everyone; she was so sweet and precious, and always spoke kindly of others. She loved the Lord with her whole heart and soul and displayed that every day of her life. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Those left to honor Bea’s memory include her daughter, Donna W. Helms (Steve); granddaughters, Jessica Helms (fiancé, Eric Howze) and Megan Helms; daughter-in-love, Debbie Wright; brother, Willard Freeman (Nora); as well as numerous loving extended family members and dear friends.

Bea has been reunited in Heaven with her parents, Gordon and Annie Mae Freeman; beloved husband of 44 years, Don Wright; son, Bradford Joseph Wright; grandson, Brandon Joseph “Bo” Wright; brothers, Billy Freeman, Jack Freeman, and OB Freeman; sisters, Madeline Johnson and Nina Dellinger; and dear friend, Pat Cochran.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 11:00am until 12:00pm on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Forest Lawn West Funeral Home, 4601 Freedom Drive in Charlotte.

The funeral service is to be conducted at 12:00pm, immediately following the visitation, in the Paul Helton Chapel at the funeral home, where Pastor Greg Hunter is to officiate.

The burial will conclude the services in Forest Lawn West Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bea’s memory to the American Heart Association, Novant Health Hospice, or the charity of your choice.