Katherine Emily Oakley

OAKLEY, Katherine Emily Jenness Wright, age 94, went to claim her eternal heavenly home on July 3, 2015. Emily was born on November 7, 1920 in Richmond, Va. to the late Leon Earle "Mike" and Marie Sheppard Jenness, who later married Robert Forloines. Emily was predeceased by her husbands, Henry Floyd Wright and Murray O. "Jimmie" Oakley, both of Richmond; and by a grandson, Franklin Duke.

She is survived by two sons, Dr. Brian R. Wright (Debbie) and Bruce F. Wright (Brenda); two stepsons, Carey Oakley (Connie) and Murray O. "Moe" Oakley Jr.; and stepdaughter, Wendy Oakley Redford (Tom). She is also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Emily lived most of her adult life in Richmond's East End and Eastern Henrico County. She was a 60 plus year member of Calvary United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir for over 40 years. She served several terms on the church's Official Board and represented Calvary at the Virginia Annual Council of Methodist Churches. She taught the Galilean Bible Class for 20 years and was a frequent officer in the Women's Society of Christian Service. A gifted and devoted homemaker, wife and mother, Emily also worked for 15 years in the Circulation Department at Richmond Newspapers.

Following the death of her second husband, Emily moved to the Hermitage Home, where she resided until her death. The memory of Emily will be deeply cherished and she will live on through her beloved family and many friends.

The family will receive visitors at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., on Tuesday, July 7, from 1 to 2 p.m., with a service to begin in the funeral home chapel at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in Washington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church, 1637 Williamsburg Rd., Richmond, Va. 23231 or to The Hermitage Home Samaritan Fund, 1600 Westwood Ave., Richmond, Va. 23227.

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