Mary Virginia Wright

At the end of World War I, Mary Virginia was born on November 29, 1918, in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Emma Judice Saulsberry and Elijah Saulsberry. Her mother, Emma, died from the Spanish Flu a few weeks following her birth but was immediately raised by Lilly Judice and Bernard Judice in Houston, Texas. She had a happy and fulfilling life. The stories she would often share left everyone in stitches, reflecting on challenging yet delighted times and a simple way of life.

In 1937, she married her husband, Charles Wright, purchased land, and built the home she lived in until her death. She spent the early years of her marriage traveling with her husband (a pipefitter welder) all over the country. She lived in Philadelphia (one of her favorite places) for a short time while Charlie worked at a shipyard and later settled in Houston. She raised two loving children and was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She was a devout woman of faith and an active member of St. Rose of Lima, dedicating time to visit the sick, deliver communion, and teach Sunday school. After her husband's death, she reinvented her life, used her love for cooking, and developed a career in the Houston Independent School District overseeing the food/ lunch program for the neighboring elementary school. Mary Virginia spent years volunteering her time with Meals on Wheels delivering cooked meals to the elderly in the community. She was an accomplished gardener, skillful seamstress, talented needleworker, loved to paint and read but will most fondly be remembered for her home-cooked feasts for her family and friends.

Mary Virginia had a wonderful sense of humor, cherished her moon pies, pickles, gumbo, crabbing and shucking oysters. She never forgot a birthday card, loved a good game of dominos and puzzles, treasured her sister and friendships. Her laugh was infectious. She was happiest with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was integrated and committed in all aspects of their lives.

Mary Virginia will be cherished and remembered by her two children, Charles Wright III (wife, Cheri Wright) and Rebecca Swint. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Wendy Wright Griffin, Christy Wright Richardson (husband, Scott Richardson), Jason Swint and Lee Swint; adored great-grandchildren Ava Richardson, Cale Griffin, Aadison Griffin, and June Richardson. She is also lovingly remembered by nephews, nieces, many relatives, friends, and caregivers whose lives she has greatly influenced, guided, and touched.

She is proceeded in death by her husband, Charles Wright, the parents who raised her, Lilly & Bernard Judice, Elijah Saulsberry & his wife, Emma Judice Saulsberry, along with her siblings Lillie Belle Vogler, Bennie Judice, Jimmy Judice, Raymond Saulsberry, Farren Joseph Saulsberry, Jack Saulsberry, and William Joseph Saulsberry.

The family would like to offer our sincere appreciation for her caregivers at Harbor Hospice, Beacon Home Health, Harris Home Health for their devoted love and care for our mother and grandmother. We extend our love and gratitude to all friends and family that celebrated Virginia throughout her life and have lifted her up in prayer. In lieu flowers you can donate to The Gathering at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church (in Houston, TX). The Gathering, is a pastoral ministry group for older seniors, which Mary Virginia enjoyed being a part of and was very dear to her.