Mary Ellen Wright

Mary Ellen Wright, 90, passed gently into the arms of her Heavenly Father on the 13th of November 2012, in her home in Houston, Texas, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was born on the 14th of February 1922 in Dallas, Texas, where her family settled before the Civil War.

Mary Ellen moved to Houston as a young child with her parents Jack and Lois Fore. She attended San Jacinto High School before transferring to the new Lamar High School. She attended the University of Texas where she received her BA as an early graduate of the Plan II Honors program. More important to her was her membership in Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority where she made friendships that lasted a lifetime. After graduation she worked as Editor of the River Oaks Times…a job that paid almost nothing but gave her the opportunity write about the neighborhood where she grew up.

Mary Ellen was predeceased by her loving husband of 61 years, Loyd A. Wright in 2008. She was blessed to have her immediate family in Houston and they were blessed to see her so frequently. She is survived by her two sons, Bradfield F. Wright and wife Lois, and Loyd H. Wright and wife Wendy. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Mary Ellen Wright Bos and her husband William Bos, Philip Wright and wife Helen, Bradfield Wright and wife Sarena, Elizabeth Wright and Andrew Wright, and six great grandchildren, Ellie Bos, Maddy Bos, Nora Bos, Lydia Bos, Mimi Wright and Henry Wright. She made all the good things in their lives possible.

Her greatest joy was her family who she supported unselfishly throughout her life. She made our little successes seem more important and helped soothe our hurt feelings when we failed… always giving us the courage to go forward. Her sacrifice and support allowed her children to have wonderful opportunities. They were blessed to able to stand on her shoulders.

Mary Ellen lived in Tanglewood for 50 years. She was a great friend…modest, patient, loyal and always fun to be around. She was active in Kappa Alpha Theta throughout her life serving as Chapter President and in many capacities with the Theta Charity Antiques Show. She joined her friends at the Late Bloomers Garden Club, Theta Investment Club, Tanglewood Garden Club, Lady Washington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Blue Bird Circle where she was a regular volunteer. Her later years were filled with friends and family at their Galveston home where they spent most weekends. She loved to walk on the beach and spend evenings with the friends she valued so dearly.

She was a member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church that she first joined in 1956 and was able to attend regularly until the past few months. She taught Sunday School for many years. She also attended River Oaks Baptist Church for a number of years.

With the care and love of full time caregivers Mary Ellen was able to stay in her home until her death. Her family is thankful to Stephanie King, Betty McClinton, Tracy Davis, Edna Watley and Lorenzo Washington.

A few days ago I found the photo above of my mother when she was a Theta at UT. I like to imagine her young again and beautiful, full of joy, running across the campus to meet her friends. And that’s exactly what she is doing today.

The family will hold a private graveside service at Glenwood Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather at the home of Brad & Lois Wright from half-past four o’clock in the afternoon until half-past seven o’clock in the evening on Friday, the 16th of November, to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to River Oaks Baptist School, 2300 Willowick Rd., Houston, TX, 77027; St. Martins Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Rd., Houston, TX, 77056; the Blue Bird Circle, 615 West Alabama St., Houston, TX, 77006; or Theta Charity Antiques Show, 4212 San Felipe St., PMB 345, Houston, TX, 77027.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9