She enrolled at the University of North Texas to study Fine Arts. At the age of 19, she married George Wright, Jr. on July 28, 1951. They loved the Lord, big band music, square dancing, and were lifelong companions for 70 years. Joan and George were blessed with three children, Pamela, Karen, and Lisa. They raised their family in Houston before retiring in Hamilton, TX.
Joan was a woman of many talents - an amazing artist, seamstress, florist, teacher, cook, and she had an impeccable taste for all things beautiful. She was affectionately known as “Tiger” by her husband for her tenacious spirit and witty personality. She was deeply rooted in her love for the Lord and her faith carried her through life’s trails, even beating cancer twice. Joan and George were faithful members of Calvary Baptist Church in Hamilton, TX. They instilled the love of Christ in their children for “a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22.
Her unforgettable laugh was contagious to those around her. Joan, affectionately known as Nana, cherished the simple pleasure of her family gathered around the table and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, George Wright, Jr.; granddaughter, Jennifer Monroe; her parents; Eleanora and George Ford; her two brothers; John T. Ray (Sonny), and George E. Ford, Jr. (Babe); her sisters; Evelyn Roach and Delores Ray.
She is survived by her children; Pamela Wright Schmidt and her husband, Michael; Karen Wright; Lisa Schrank and her husband, Douglas. Her grandchildren; Michael Potthoff, Cassie Dennis, Mari Schleh, and Julia Schrank; and seven great-grandchildren.
