Obituary of Irene W. Wright

Surrounded by her children, Irene Wright closed her eyes here on Earth and opened them in Heaven on Tuesday morning, March 5, 2019. Born on February 23, 1935, she had just celebrated her 84th birthday.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Early and Lottie Walters, her brother Doris, sister Connie and her beloved husband, James “Jimmy” Wright, Sr. Left to cherish her memory and keep her legacy alive are her sons: James “Jay” Wright Jr. and her devoted caregiver Todd Wright along with her daughter, Lorie Cox and son-in-law Tommy Cox. Also left, the apples of her eye, her beautiful granddaughters Allison Wright and Alicia Wright and her two great-grandsons who were guaranteed to make her smile, C.J. and Jordan King. Lastly, the family wishes to thank Tabitha Farmer for the love and attention she provided to our Mom on an ongoing basis as part of her care team.

Irene was, first and foremost, the best and strongest Mom in the world. She cared for her children through a life filled with obstacles, illness and loss. Yet, she was able to instill deep values of selflessness, family devotion and a love of having a good time in all that had the blessing of knowing her. She is well known for her absolute LOVE and commitment to two things: George Wythe sports and Hamburgers. She was a life-long supporter of the GW Maroons, attending games faithfully for almost 60 years. She was also a lifelong fan of hamburgers: when asked what she wanted to eat at any given time, you can guarantee her response would be “I guess a hamburger.”

Throughout her life, Mom constantly put everyone else’s needs in front of her own. It didn’t matter in what capacity you knew her or she knew you, if you were blessed enough to be in her circle, you were important to her. Throughout the last few years, as her words came less easily, the brutality of Alzheimer’s could not diminish her spirit or her beautiful smile. Nothing would bring her smile quicker than her children.

Services for Irene Wright will be held on Thursday, March 7th at Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville, VA. Visitation will be from 1pm to 2pm with the funeral services beginning at 2pm. The family is also receiving visitors at the home of her daughter, Lorie Cox, at any time, 110 Carrington Lane, Wytheville, VA. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.