Verda Helen Wright

Verda Helen Wright, age 91, of Gadsden, Alabama passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family and friends on Friday, May 22, 2026. Visitation will be held at Southside Funeral Home and Cemetery Chapel, 1009 AL Hwy 77, Gadsden, Alabama 35907, on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:00 am. Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am. Rev. Andy Yarnell will officiate.

Mrs. Wright was a graduate of The University of Alabama and began her career as an elementary school teacher, a role that reflected her caring spirit. She was a faithful member of Rainbow City United Methodist Church and enjoyed being active in her community through civic and social organizations, including the Gadsden Service Guild and the Gadsden Antiquarian Society. She treasured the friendships she built over the years, especially the time spent playing tennis and Mahjong with dear friends and sharing her love of reading through her book club.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Curtis Wright, Sr., father, Daniel Webster Johnson; mother, Eloise Weir Johnson Gray; step-father, Col. John Ellis Gray; brother, John Ellis Gray, II.

She is survived by her children, Valerie (Tregg) Johnson, John Curtis Wright, III.; grandchildren, John Curtis Wright, Malone Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Hamilton (Chandler) Johnson, Hayden Johnson, Daphne (Bryan) Corr; four great-grandchildren; sister, Danylu Johnson McClamma.

Pallbearers will be John Curtis Wright, III., Malone Johnson, Allen Back, William Leach, and Marty Pryor.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Kent Back, Ken Lankford, Bill Russell, and Ricky Ray.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends make donations to their favorite charity or church.

A very special thank you to her dearest friend, Joanie Leach, for her devoted love, care, and friendship over many years.

The family extends their gratitude to Joy Flenord, Faye Payne, Tammy Amos, and Joann Vaughn for their compassionate care.