Betty Adele Small Wright

Betty Adele Small Wright, 83, died on October 27, 2015 at home after a long illness. She was surrounded by her family. Born in Jackson, she was the beloved, only child of William Liddell and Adele Day Small.

Betty spent much of her childhood exploring her creative nature in her backyard art studio where her parents encouraged her love of pottery, photography and other artistic endeavors.

She graduated from Central High school in 1949. The quote next to her senior picture poignantly captured the essence of Betty’s personality. It read, “Betty possesses the energy of a rebel and the uncommon gift of saying funny things at the right time, for good humor is the blue sky of her heart.” She loved her time at Central and served on 49er’s Reunion Committees throughout her life.

In 1953, Betty graduated from Millsaps College where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and was elected Miss Millsaps her senior year. She often credited the quality liberal arts education she received at Millsaps for her ability to view the world with an open mind and an open heart. Her friends and family admired her ability to fearlessly issue an unsolicited, well thought-out opinion on a wide range of topics. She had a strong sense of justice and a commitment to lifting up the powerless.

After graduating, Betty traveled the world with the Maid of Cotton, who was a goodwill ambassador for the National Cotton Council. She also worked for Standard Oil in Jackson and was a first grade teacher at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School before she married Dr. Charles N. Wright in 1959. They had three children and were married until his death in 1996.

As a charter member of the One O’Clock Luncheon Club, Betty was actively involved in the group for over 60 years. She was also a member of the Junior League of Jackson.

Betty shared her many passions with those around her throughout their lives. The natural world, as well as the world of sports, were two of Betty’s favorite pastimes.

Her love of nature provided many hours of pleasure during her last years at home. From the window of her room, she watched with her family and friends the life cycles of wildlife in her yard. She also introduced to everyone who visited and cared for her the joy of watching eagle families nesting online. In addition, Betty’s keen interest in weather earned her the nickname EOC Betty from her children’s friends, who would often call for a forecast before planning events.

A rabid sports fan, Betty was absolutely devoted to the Mississippi State Bulldogs. A member of the Bulldog Club, she followed football, baseball and basketball faithfully and enthusiastically (but never calmly or quietly).

Betty was a wonderful caregiver to many throughout her life. She was also a devoted and loyal friend who enjoyed nothing more than sharing a drink and a visit in her warm, inviting kitchen, which was sought out often by friends and family, young and old.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 37 years. She was happiest in the presence of her beloved children and grandchildren. Betty is survived by her children: Laura Phillips (married to Michael) of Ridgeland, Lisa Wright Boone, of Jackson, and Charles N. Wright, Jr. of Madison, as well as her grandchildren- Cole and Reese Phillips and McLean and Emerson Boone.

Our hearts are full of love and gratitude for all those who cared for Betty during her last years.

A visitation will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 1, in the parlor at Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church with a service to follow at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Millsaps College, The Berry College Eagle Cam Fund, Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church, or the charity of your choice.