OBITUARY

Arika Wright Carden

August 3, 1974 – January 12, 2014
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Arika Wright Carden, of Newton, went home to be with her Maker on Sunday, January 12th after a short bout with the flu. Arika was born in Augsburg, Germany on August 3rd, 1974 and was a graduate of Newton Conover High School and Western Carolina University. She was employed by Engineered Controls for 15 years. Arika will be remembered as a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was always a free spirit and life of the party, and was always willing to help those in need. She was a committed family woman and your typical "sporting Mom" always in attendance and cheering loudly at her sons sporting events.

Arika is survived by her Parents Mike and Sally Wright of Newton. Her pride and joy: two sons, Justin Aiken and Chance Carden of Newton; brother, Jamie Wright and wife, Cynthia from Greenville, SC; husband, Josh Carden of Newton; Uncle Wayne Wright of Newton; Aunts, Mickey Parks of Hickory and Patty Shuford of Newton; and Uncle Clifford Parks of Chapel Hill.

Funeral will be held at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 with a viewing afterwards at Christ United Methodist Church, Mountain View location, Hickory, NC. Memorials can be made to State Employees’ Credit Union, PO Box 3049, Hickory, NC 28603, to Justin Aiken and Chance Carden Educational Fund.

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Services

  • Funeral Service Wednesday, January 15, 2014
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REMEMBERING

Arika Wright Carden

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Alicia Sumpter

February 12, 2014

I love you, Arika, and always will. I miss you and think about you every day. Your smile, your laughter, your funny jokes, and just knowing no matter what - we loved each other and were there to talk if needed. We have remained forever friends - even when we meet again. -- I feel for Justin and Chance. You were a wonderful mother and made those kids your heart and soul. I know they will miss you, like everyone that knew you. But I know you will be watching over them and helping shape them into the men they're meant to be. Boys, I hope you listen to that inner voice as you go through life; I truly believe that'll be your mama talking to you- loving you and guiding you. I know you will make her proud. And know, that I love you guys too and will always be on your side and care what happens in your life.

Ashley Tate

January 17, 2014

I hope and pray that you know how much I really loved you and will until we meet again. You are and have always been one of the strongest persons that I have ever known. I am at peace knowing that you are now flying high with the angels and taking good care of all the children there. Your service spoke for itself not only in number but the abundance of love that was in that one room for the moment.
Know and believe that your children will be taken care of and how fortunate we are for this. Their daddies were there with you and will continue to be with your children.
I love you Arika Wright Carden and neither time nor distance will alter that. Ashley will see you on the other side and until then rest in peace my friend, rest in peace.......

Love Always,
Ashley and Colten

Alisha Aiken-Galvez

January 16, 2014

I went to school with Arika. I am sorry to hear of the loss to your family ! She was a sweet girl and will be missed by many! I pray that God comforts all of you during this hard time!

Sandy Hartsell

January 16, 2014

Many condolences to Arika's family. She had a uplifting personality and will truly be missed. Sending many prayers!

January 16, 2014

with love and sympathy
richard and mary smith

Julie Harkins

January 16, 2014

Arika was truly one of a kind...my sister and her were so close growing up and considered part of our family. When I moved back to Conover we got a chance to connect again and the strength and fortitude she had blew me away! Her smile and her strength is what I will remember. Also her extreme love for all of her kids....RIP girlie

Tammy Murray

January 15, 2014

My sincere condolences to Arika's kids, family & friends! So sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers during this difficult time!

David Guynn

January 15, 2014

It's so hard to believe that our friend Arika is no longer with us. She will truly be missed by all who knew her. To know her was to love her. I hadn't seen her for many years, but I always enjoyed keeping up with her through Facebook. I pray that the Lord would keep his hand upon her family and friends and comfort those who are hurting during this most difficult time. John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

Lori (Deal) Goans

January 15, 2014

I still can't believe I will be attending Arika's funeral today. She had just messaged me not too long ago and we joked about how we wanted to hang out soon and have another one of our "fun nights" out but we were getting old and could barely stay up past 9:00 on a Saturday night anymore, compared to how we used to "live it up" all the time...that was Arika, always making me laugh! I just regret so much, that I didn't take her up sooner on that offer. I thought for sure, she and I would have much more free time on our hands this summer and I could hang out with her then, by the pool. I now truly understand how precious life is and how we just never know when it's our time. This will teach me to kiss my kids every morning when they go off to school no matter how late we may be running behind. I just have such a heavy heart right now for all of Arika's family and friends but especially for Sally, Mike, Jamie and most of all Justin and Chance....they were truly Arika's life! I will continue to pray for everyone to get through this tremendously difficult time and I will always hold Arika in my heart and treasure our memories together. Love you always, Arika!!

Cheri & Bruce Dudley

January 15, 2014

We are friends of Sally Wright
through Christ Church and
want to let you know that we are continuing to lift up all of Arika's
family and friends in prayers.

IN THE CARE OF

Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home
Newton, NC
828-464-0131